Uncrewed systems will soon become a defining feature of the UK’s conventional forces, with Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirming that drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) will be fielded in high numbers over the next five years.
In a written answer to Liberal Democrat MP Edward Morello, Pollard pointed to the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025, which he said recommended “a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.”
The SDR set out a “common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks” designed to connect people and platforms across domains and with allies. According to Pollard, this approach will provide the Integrated Force with “agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries.”
The government is looking closely at lessons from Ukraine, where AI-enabled drones have transformed battlefield awareness and strike operations. The minister said the ability of drones to carry sensors across the electromagnetic spectrum has “removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility.” Importantly, he added, AI gives drones the capacity to continue surveillance and targeting when human teams are resting or unable to operate, which is now a “fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development.”
Over the next five years, the UK intends to field uncrewed platforms in large numbers as part of a “high-low” mix of capabilities, networked with fifth- and sixth-generation crewed aircraft. Their design will be tailored to specific environments, whether operating undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air.
Pollard said that this high-low force structure would combine advanced manned systems with numerous autonomous platforms to expand coverage and resilience. “Uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers,” he explained, with their development forming a central strand of future capability.
For ground forces, UGVs are expected to take on an increasing share of combat support roles. These systems could relieve pressure on personnel, operate in hazardous environments, and integrate with other platforms to provide data and effects.
While specific projects are already in progress, Pollard said detailed information could not be shared while they remain in the concept phase. The minister said however, that the shift towards AI-driven autonomy is no longer experimental, but a central plank of the UK’s force development strategy.
Concept phase to deployment in large numbers in 5 years? I’d be shocked if that was an outcome from a financially stressed MOD where every overtime request nowadays requires a 3 Star sign-off and a sacrifice of a small goat.
“Tra la la, la la la one potato two potato three potato more”
( you have to be really old to get this link).
Replacing Boots on the ground with Mechanics in the workshops, the furture is Drones, the future is here.
Good to see we have a “Central Plank” ( no, not Starmer !)
“In large numbers”. 10? 15?
RN leading the way with cutting edge drone tech. 2 Peregrine camcopters, a dozen Malloy medium lift vehicles and a bunch of hand launched rc aircraft.
2030 will be when all our dreams come true…
AA
1 is larger than 0?
One way to establish a core of excellence is to replace functions that are otherwise carried out by well-trained troops. Also, supply under hazardous conditions and mine laying and clearance are suited for autonomous systems. The thorny issue of recruitment is also addressed to some extent.