# 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. Published 2026-11-06 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/11/06/royal-navy-launches-callen-lenz-strike-drones-from-carrier/ 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.[1] The aircraft are manufactured in Wiltshire.[1] 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.[1] The AR5 has a seven-metre wingspan and capacity to carry 80kg, and it can support logistics and operational missions.[1] ## Why it matters 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.[1] 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