First ever autonomous Royal Navy squadron launches as part of investment in hybrid operations

The Royal Navy commissioned its 1st Autonomous Squadron at His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth on 5 November 2026 to operate uncrewed surface vessels. The ceremony included a harbour demonstration in which personnel operated Kraken and Rattler craft from a control hub. Based in Portsmouth, the squadron has about 180 personnel organised into two watches to sustain operations around the clock, and it takes over from Project Beehive, which trialled crewless boats. The unit is intended to operate vessels independently and alongside naval task groups as part of a £1.5 billion, four-year investment in hybrid operations.