Armed Forces: Uncrewed Systems
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, paragraph 31, what uncrewed systems swarming capability do each of the services currently have in order to enable Taskforce RAID to drive a step-change.
Answered by Luke Pollard
The Taskforce is working on four core ‘challenge sets’, identified by the Military Commands, to deliver end-to-end advantage to the Integrated Force, one of which is delivering operational impact by using ‘swarms’ of AI-enabled uncrewed systems.
Defence, including the Military Commands, has several projects exploring uncrewed swarming systems at various stages, from experimentation to proof of concept. These projects are being supported by the Taskforce, which is accelerating the development and fielding of advanced swarming capabilities across Defence to deliver a step-change in mass, coordination and operational effectiveness. One key example the Taskforce is supporting is Project BEEHIVE, a joint endeavour between the Royal Navy and UK Defence Innovation to deliver 20 uncrewed surface vessels to the Surface Flotilla and Commando Force.
Details of other specific capabilities are withheld as their disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
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