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Unmanned Air Systems

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 10 July 2026UIN 15065

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of Project PANTHEON.

Answered by Luke Pollard

Project PANTHEON is a spiral development programme designed to transition the majority of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Strike and Logistic Lift effects currently delivered by Royal Navy Merlin and Wildcat helicopters to Vertical and Short Take-Off and Landing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (VSTOL ACPs)

The programme will support the development of the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Air Wing by delivering a range of uncrewed air capabilities, drawing on investment set out in the Defence Investment Plan and exploiting both emerging commercial technologies and UK defence innovation initiatives. Through improved mass, persistence, autonomy and integration across domains, Project PANTHEON will enhance operational effectiveness while reducing risk to personnel, underpinned by common digital architectures and enabling technologies.

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