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Warships: Unmanned Marine Systems

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 13 July 2026UIN 16670

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what comparative assessment he has made of a) uncrewed, b) lean-crewed and c) boarding party support for maintenance of the Royal Navy’s new Type 91-94 autonomous vessels.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Defence Investment Plan announced the development of uncrewed missile platforms (Type 91), uncrewed underwater sense platforms (Type 92), extra-large uncrewed underwater vessels (XLUUV) (Type 93), and uncrewed radar platforms (Type 94) to join the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Fleet. The intent is for these platforms to be uncrewed rather than lean or optionally crewed.

They will work as part of the Hybrid Navy system, with Common Combat Vessel acting as the central control, as well as providing maintenance and support personnel.

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