The Royal Navy has carried out its first supply delivery between two warships using a British-built drone during its 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment, the UK Defence Journal understands.
A Malloy T-150 quadcopter flew autonomously from aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, transporting spare parts and other critical supplies across just over a mile of open sea. Crews on Dauntless then assumed control to guide the drone onto the flight deck for landing, according to the Royal Navy.
The service described the trial as a step toward reducing reliance on helicopters and small boats for routine logistics, freeing them for other operational duties. Lieutenant Matt Parfitt, 700X Pioneer Flight Commander, said in the release: “This is a key milestone for the trial, achieved by all the hard work that everyone has put in. I’m proud to have achieved this first for the Royal Navy and excited to progress further over the duration of the deployment.”
Captain Colin McGannity, Commander Air Group for the UK Carrier Strike Group, added: “This milestone in the Malloy trials is a step toward the vision of a fully integrated hybrid carrier air wing. By taking some of the logistics burden, Malloy will allow our naval helicopters to concentrate on their core outputs, while delivering, rapid, more efficient resupply across the whole Strike Group.”
The T-150 system, manufactured by Malloy Aeronautics, can carry payloads of up to 68kg and reach speeds of 60mph, according to the company. Malloy has been part of BAE Systems since 2024 and produces uncrewed air systems for both civilian and military use.
Neil Appleton, CEO of Malloy Aeronautics, said: “This is a very proud moment to see the T-150 delivering real benefit for the Royal Navy, supporting vital logistics operations with an easy to operate and low-cost solution. The trials demonstrate the value that Uncrewed Air Systems can bring to current, complex and costly operations.”
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard highlighted the wider policy context, stating: “The Royal Navy is leading the way in shaping the future of Hybrid Air Wings, with the impressive progress showcased during Carrier Strike Group 25. Embracing autonomy is pivotal to the way we will operate in the future, and this achievement stands as a powerful example of our armed forces working seamlessly alongside British industry to deliver cutting-edge innovation and capability at sea.”
The drone trials are taking place during Operation Highmast, an eight-month UK Carrier Strike Group mission spanning the Mediterranean, Middle East, Indo-Pacific, and High North.
People underestimate just how game changing something so simple as this is
Indeed, but also how much it will reduce small boat use and therefore skills.
Well it’s a small step towards something that might well be a game changer at some point in the future but not really that great a leap given it’s payload, range, speed, weather ability, cost and the 4 humans it takes to land the bloody thing on 3 football pitches sat on a calm sea.
Obviously I’m one of the people who underestimate this ?
I think you are, I think most transfers between ships are less than 40kg,
With regards to the rest of your points let ask this. How many people and costs are involved in sending a wildcat or merlin to deliver a sub 40 kilo package? How many personal are involved with ship to ship transport and it’s inherent risks?
Nobody’s saying it’s a cure for all ills but it’s a cost effective tool for when it’s used
Well if most transfers between ships by Merlins or Wildcats is less than 40kg’s then I’m sorry but that’s a shocking waste of tax payers money and piss poor planning.
The rest of your reply sounds like you have already started to be combative so I’ll leave you to it.
You think the helicopter deck on HMS Dauntless is the size of “3 football pitches”…
That’s the kind of exaggeration that becomes default when you you keep claiming to your partner it’s at least 6 inches long…
It’s OK Spock, you don’t have to underline your intellectual inefficiencies any more, I worked them out a few months back.
That has to be the lamest response, EVER 😂
Well I’m really sorry but I had to go to A&E as I laughed so hard at your comment, my 6 inches fell off.
You da main man 🖖
Sorry to hear hear your leg fell off, was it the left or right one?
Or maybe you should have tightened the buckles on your strap-on? 🤷🏻♂️
The Mallory can only carry something the size of a regular computer tower and a weight limited to 45KG in rough winds at a maximum distance of 45km. It will not replace helicopter ferry flights, but it is great for those small, urgently needed parts or documents. The exciting drone currently under development by a company in the North East is OBE that can carry 600KG up to 32 km at over 120mph. When that drone completes its development arc, it will be a great asset to the Navy and Army.
I think this is really is game changing.
There will obviously be some heavier things that need transporting between vessels but alot of things are currently packaged into larger packages simply because it makes best use of a larger helicopter transfer, those packages could just as well be transported by a group of drones in smaller packages, plus now the concept is proven more capable drones are only a matter of time.