Unmanned platforms for the British Army. Conclusion

The testing and development units of the allied countries regularly participate in the AWE series (more details Part I ). This allows British and partner forces to learn from each other's achievements, but - more importantly – it also ensures compatibility of technology and operational concepts in the field.

This cooperation works in both directions. About 600 British Army soldiers (along with allied troops from six partner countries) took part in the Convergence Capstone 4 project, a combat experiment sponsored by the US Army in California in February–March 2024.

Using a remotely controlled "dog" to check for enemy threats during exercises at the Razish training complex as part of the Convergence Capstone 4 project.
Source: invoen.ru

The event was dedicated to joint multidisciplinary operations conducted by the United States and international partners. Advanced technologies were evaluated in realistic scenarios with an emphasis on network systems optimized to accelerate and facilitate the so–called "sensor-decider-effector-support element" destruction chain. About half of the British contingent was sent by the Army Experimental Test Group (ETG), which deployed a combat team enhanced with robotics and autonomous systems, including engineers, artillery, electronic warfare (EW) and drones. The unit deployed uninhabited vehicles and UAVs to support reconnaissance operations. Ground-based robotic complexes (RTCs) with mounted machine guns, which provided fire support for dismounted forces, were also involved in the exercises.

Unmanned platforms for individual projects

In addition to the AWE central program, evaluation and procurement of new and updated unmanned systems are carried out within the framework of other projects. These include:

Robotic Platoon Vehicle (RPV) 

It is a multiphase experiment to evaluate the operational benefits of unmanned platforms and facilitate the integration of advanced robotics and autonomous systems into platoon-level ground operations. Testing was conducted through integration at the unit level (2YORKS), as well as during AWE.

RTCs are considered for a wide range of purposes, including autonomous and semi-autonomous transportation of platoon equipment, resupply on the front line, evacuation of the wounded, reconnaissance and an armament platform. The systems tested under the RPV program include multifunctional tactical transport vehicles (MUTT) developed by GDELS and various configurations of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP UGV ground-based RTK capable of swarm operations.

Unmanned platforms equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) can follow their unit without direct control or move autonomously through difficult terrain to perform reconnaissance or resupply tasks.

The last seven Mission Master vehicles were ordered in April 2022 for the third and final phase of the RPV program. After the completion of the third stage of the RPV program, experiments with RTK will continue at the Army Expeditionary Robotics Expert Center (ERCoE).

The movement of soldiers under the cover of an autonomous robotic platoon machine with a mounted machine gun.

The Army Expeditionary Robotics Expert Center, established in May 2021, is intended as a central venue for conducting and coordinating key defense robotics and autonomous systems projects. In addition to the RPV program, these include nanobuavs, autonomous supply of advanced troops and additional developments in the field of combining people and machines (NMT).

The Tequila Project 

Lockheed Martin is a system integrator within the framework of a project to equip small military formations with modern small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV) for reconnaissance purposes.

The British Ministry of Defense, in 2022, ordered 159 Indago 4 quadrocopters and 105 Stalker VXE30 UAVs as part of the Tequila program. Weighing 2.27 and 20 kg, respectively, these AI drones have significantly increased flight range and duration, as well as more powerful sensors and processors than their predecessors. The Ministry of Defense expects the first units to be operational by the end of 2024.

In addition to Tequila, DE&S' Future Capability Group ordered Elbit Magni-X micro drones in January 2023 for delivery to specialized army units. The purchase is carried out as part of the HMT Army initiative. Despite having less endurance than the Indago 4, the Magni-X is capable of swarming, which allows for joint reconnaissance at short ranges and support for combat missions.

Armed UAVs 

In May 2023, the Ministry of Defense sent a request for information (RfI) regarding armed SUAV options for the army. The maximum take–off weight of the target systems (including payload) will be 350 grams, and the flight duration will be at least 20 minutes.

A group of UAVs. In September 2023, the British Army announced the formation of a new UAV group, which will be created under the Joint Aviation Command (JAC). According to General Sir Patrick Sanders, former Chief of the Army General Staff, this step "will bring the deep expertise and coherence required by the new drone defense strategy" and "provide a focus for the industry around which we intend to develop next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle platforms in even closer partnership."

New unmanned platforms should be distinguished by increased autonomy, endurance and payload. The advanced aerial vehicles are designed to provide real-time situational awareness and targeting during reconnaissance missions, as well as support ground troops by direct delivery of payloads.

UAV groups will also be tasked with developing comprehensive training programs for drone operators and new doctrines for effective integration of UAVs into military operations, as well as ensuring full compatibility of UAVs with existing combat control systems (including at the joint and coalition levels).

Microdron testing during AWE 2023

The hardware is only part of the picture. The Army, in close cooperation with industry, is implementing more than 25 data processing projects. Over the next decade, all of the army's deployable digital systems must be upgraded. This includes combat control, communications and information systems, as well as intelligence capabilities. It is emphasized that the integration of unmanned platforms, soldiers, vehicles and weapons into a network, including network integration with allied forces, will be a prerequisite for effective future operations.

The UK's Defense Drone Strategy

In February 2024, the British Ministry of Defense announced a Strategy for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in Defense, designed to provide a unified approach to unmanned systems not only for the army, but also for all three branches of the armed forces. The program is designed for 10 years with a minimum budget of 4.5 billion pounds. The goal is to accelerate the implementation of unmanned ground, air and marine systems. According to the MOD, this will allow for rapid experimentation, testing and evaluation of unmanned platforms for all services coordinated by the UK Strategic Command in collaboration with industry.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense dated February 2024, after commissioning, the systems will be continuously improved to meet the rapidly changing advances in technology and the changing threat landscape. It is expected that "the rapid development and modernization of unmanned systems will be the key to gaining an advantage on the battlefield."… Ultimately, we are talking about learning lessons from the events on the front line in Ukraine for the large-scale purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles for the British Armed Forces."

Based on the materials of the resource euro-sd.com