RAF squadron to finally get autonomous combat drones

The RAF’s 216 Squadron, initially formed for drone trials but lacking drones, is now set to transition into deploying new autonomous drones in 2025, with testing responsibilities shifting to 744 Naval Air Squadron.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has provided new insights into its evolving drone programme, addressing Parliamentary questions on the role of 216 Squadron and the future direction of drone operations in the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Danny Kruger, MP for East Wiltshire, asked about progress in the procurement of swarming drones for 216 Squadron and its intended role in operational testing and deployment.

Luke Pollard, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defence, outlined a significant shift in responsibilities for drone trials, revealing that the role of testing and evaluation has been transferred to 744 Naval Air Squadron, which will now function as the Joint Uncrewed Air System Test and Evaluation Squadron.

In his response, Pollard explained, “216 Squadron was initially formed as a swarming drone trials squadron; however, the role of drone testing and evaluation will now be conducted by 744 Naval Air Squadron as the Joint Uncrewed Air System Test and Evaluation Squadron. 216 Squadron is intended to become the operational delivery squadron for an Autonomous Collaborative Platforms capability in 2025.”

This shift signifies a change in focus for 216 Squadron, moving from experimental trials to an operational role.

216 Squadron was established in 2020 with a focus on advancing swarming drone technology, reflecting a commitment to integrating autonomous systems into the RAF. However, this transition comes after challenges in executing planned trials.

Earlier this year, reports revealed that despite the squadron’s intended focus on swarming drones, it had not completed any formal trials due to “competing resource requirements.” Planned trials, including one involving the Callen-Lenz ‘Koios’ air vehicle and Blue Bear Systems Research’s ‘Centurion’ ground control system, were cancelled in 2023.

Despite these setbacks, the MOD remains committed to developing advanced unmanned aerial capabilities, with 216 Squadron now positioned as a key operational unit for the delivery of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.

RAF looking at new ‘Autonomous Collaborative Platform’ drones

The RAF’s broader vision for its drone capabilities is outlined in its Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) Strategy, which aims to incorporate these advanced systems into the force structure by 2030. The ACP concept involves uncrewed platforms with goal-based autonomy that can either operate independently or in conjunction with crewed aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon or F-35, even Tempest.

The strategy emphasises the importance of agility and technological advancement, stating that new drones will be developed with a focus on affordability and rapid adaptation to combat losses, making them effective in various mission roles while minimising risk to personnel.

BAE Systems, a major industry partner, envisions ACPs working closely with existing and next-generation aircraft, carrying out a range of roles from ISR to direct attack missions. These platforms are expected to act as “force multipliers,” enhancing the capabilities of traditional crewed aircraft through coordinated operations. The Defence Drone Strategy emphasises collaboration between the MOD, industry, and allies, aiming for a seamless integration of these platforms into the UK’s broader defence capabilities. This approach is seen as crucial in maintaining the RAF’s edge amid evolving global threats and technological advancements.

The transition of 216 Squadron’s focus from trials to operational deployment underlines the MOD’s strategic adjustment as it aims to balance resource constraints with the need to enhance air combat capabilities.

The shift to having 744 Naval Air Squadron handle testing responsibilities ensures a dedicated focus on evaluating and refining drone technology, while 216 Squadron prepares to bring the capabilities of ACPs into active service by 2025.

The RAF has already set the stage for a shift to air combat featuring advanced drones with the previous release of its ‘Autonomous Collaborative Platform Strategy’.

The document detailed a move towards an advanced fleet of combat drones.

The strategy states:

“Where appropriate, these platforms will team with other crewed and uncrewed AV across domains, add additional capacity to our current capability, and contribute to many key elements of the Air Operating Concept. By leveraging systems engineering advancements, new uncrewed aircraft can be dynamically developed, designed and produced in a manner that will make combat loss, whilst undesirable, acceptable.”

Looking towards a future just six years away, the RAF envisions a comprehensive integration of these platforms into its force structure. By 2030, ACPs are expected to become “an integral part of the RAF force structure, routinely operating in partnership with crewed platforms to deliver battle-winning military capability across multiple domains as part of a national or coalition force.”

The strategy recognises the significance of “technological advancements and operational risk tolerance” as the driving factors, committing to “continual experimentation and exacting QA ensuring that only the most effective capabilities are matured or kept in service.”

Three outcomes are pivotal to this strategy’s success. Firstly, it calls for the RAF to be equipped with state-of-the-art ACPs that align with the Defence’s strategic imperatives. Secondly, it demands the delivery of “organisational, operational and cultural changes required within the RAF to enable the disruptive effect of ACP.”

Lastly, it champions the creation of “an Industry and Government ecosystem to enable the rapid development, fielding and through-life support of innovative ACP capabilities.”

The strategy further elucidates the cross-domain roles ACP will fulfil, as “Figure 4 below uses the Air Power Model to identify where OA suggests ACP will best support air power roles in the future.” This integrated approach highlights the versatility of Tier 1 ACPs and the bespoke capabilities of Tier 2 ACPs across the spectrum of RAF operations.

Specifically, in the domains of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), and Attack, the strategy notes that “similar mission sets have been identified, and modular Tier 1 AVs could be readily adapted to the prevailing mission requirements.” Yet, it recognises that certain critical tasks will still require “a specialist, niche capability, potentially across both Tier 1 and Tier 2.”

The RAF said in a release:

“The Defence Drone Strategy provides the core reference baseline for the RAF ACP Portfolio ensuring coherence for the introduction of new developments in capability, supported by lessons learnt in our recent past and in current conflicts.

Advances in human-machine teaming, AI and other technologies mean that the world of uncrewed systems is rapidly advancing towards the use of autonomy. The war in Ukraine has also highlighted the rapid evolution of weapon systems and tactics. The ACP strategy sets out how the RAF intends to take advantage of this technology, working closely with the Royal Navy, British Army, across MoD, with industry, and our trusted partners and allies. This collaborative endeavour will pursue the best solutions for UK Defence, supported by UK industry, to find options with the correct cost-benefit analysis to augment our forces.

Using emerging technologies, ACP will undertake critical roles that complement and enhance the operational effects achieved by our current and future crewed aircraft, acting as a force multiplier. Implementation of this strategy will reduce risks to personnel and provide us with the opportunity and means to learn, develop and fight faster than our adversaries, whilst maintaining a keen eye on the legal and ethical considerations.”