Royal Navy tests robot subs, boats and drones for fleet of the future

A rotary wing unmanned air vehicle from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Pacific, lifts off as part of the first-ever Unmanned Warrior, a research and training exercise. The Royal Navy is testing out more than 50 autonomous vehicles, including drones and submersibles in one of the largest demonstration of marine robotic systems. Held off the coast of west Scotland and west Wales, the Unmanned Warrior event is a showcase for aerial, surface and underwater Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) from 40 companies. Demonstrations will include the use of autonomous vehicles for surveillance, intelligence-gathering and mine countermeasures. The Royal Navy said that autonomous systems like this "could transform the way in which the armed forces of the future help keep Britain safe".