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Uncrewed Systems: Procurement

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 16 April 2026UIN 123667

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the comments by the Minister for Veterans and People in the Opposition Day Debate entitled Defence, Column 267, 24 March 2026, when the 20 uncrewed surface vessels will be in service.

Answered by Luke Pollard

As part of Project Beehive, the Royal Navy has ordered 20 uncrewed surface vessels under a contract worth £12.3 million. The fleet of 20 vessels will be used by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and development activities to help set the foundation for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology.

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