Industry
Royal Navy launches Callen-Lenz strike drones from carrier in trials
Nyan Maritime flights and a Tekever AR5 trial give the navy evidence for decisions on operating drones alongside crewed aircraft.
Callen-Lenz Nyan Maritime one-way drones took off from HMS Queen Elizabeth during North Atlantic trials in mid-October, the Royal Navy announced Nov. 5. The aircraft are manufactured in Wiltshire.1
Royal Navy has successfully launched strike drones from an aircraft carrier
North Atlantic trials in mid-October
Nyan Maritime one-way drones, manufactured in Wiltshire by Callen-Lenz, took off from HMS Queen Elizabeth in North Atlantic trials in mid-October
The carrier hosted Heavy Lift Challenge 3, in which a Tekever AR5 fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft operated from a carrier for the first time
Royal Navy, 5 November 2026
Sources
Lieutenant Commander David Burton, trials sponsor for Navy Capability, said the trials provide evidence for deciding how uncrewed systems can work alongside crewed aircraft.1
The carrier flights followed the Nyan’s first launch at sea from the experimentation ship XV Patrick Blackett earlier this year, the navy said.1
Queen Elizabeth also hosted Heavy Lift Challenge 3, in which a Tekever AR5 fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft operated from a carrier for the first time, according to the navy. The AR5 has a seven-metre wingspan and capacity to carry 80kg, and it can support logistics and operational missions.1
The government's Defence Investment Plan says the Queen Elizabeth class carriers will use uncrewed systems to strengthen the F-35B force, creating a hybrid carrier air wing. The trial announcement names no order or procurement timetable for either the Nyan or the AR5.1
Sources (1)
- Royal Navy: Strike drones launched from British aircraft carrier for the first time, Nov. 5, 2026 www.royalnavy.mod.uk