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Uncrewed Systems: Procurement

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 16 April 2026UIN 123676

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Veterans and People during the debate on Defence of 24 March 2026, Official Report, column 267, when was the order for 20 uncrewed surface vessels placed.

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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