Royal Navy Set to Soar with ‘Peregrine’ Drone
The Royal Navy is gearing up to launch ‘Peregrine’ – a cutting-edge uncrewed air system equipped with powerful Thales surveillance sensors. Under a £20 million contract, the Schiebel S-100 drone will deliver real-time images and radar data straight to frontline warships from 2024.
24/7 Surveillance Over Gulf Waters
Peregrine joins forces with the Navy’s Wildcat helicopters to provide continuous monitoring over vital Gulf regions. This flexible, tactical drone can launch day or night and in tough conditions, boosting the Navy’s ability to detect threats far beyond current limits.
Its advanced sensors will feed high-def imagery directly into the ship’s Combat Management System, giving commanders instant situational awareness and faster decision-making power.
Defence Leaders Hail Game-Changing Tech
Andy Start, DE&S CEO: “This rapid deployment of a Remotely Piloted Air System will protect British interests in the Gulf. Thanks to strong collaboration with industry, the Navy will receive a mature, threat-detecting system that’s ready to go.”
Rear Admiral James Parkin, Royal Navy: “Peregrine represents a key milestone for the Fleet Air Arm’s move towards mixed crewed and uncrewed operations. This system gives us what we need to tackle modern threats in complex environments. We’re excited to learn from its frontline deployment and shape the future of naval aviation.”
Next-Gen Drone to Fly from Warships
Taking off directly from flight decks like a helicopter, Peregrine is the Navy’s first uncrewed rotary wing aircraft to operate alongside Wildcats. It boasts rapid launch capabilities and several hours of mission endurance.
Fitted with the cutting-edge Thales I-Master radar, Peregrine can track, find, and identify targets with proven modern tech. The two-year deployment starting mid-2024, with potential extension, will provide vital operational experience for future fleet investments.
A Proud Name with Historic Roots
The Peregrine name honours HMS Peregrine, the Royal Naval Air Station in West Sussex used after World War II as the Fleet Air Arm’s test and development centre for carrier-borne jets. This historic link adds extra weight to the drone’s cutting-edge role in Britain’s naval future.
