US Army Secretary briefed on British hybrid navy plans

The Royal Navy has outlined its plans for a “hybrid navy” and expanded use of uncrewed systems during a visit by United States Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll to Portsmouth.

Driscoll, who oversees modernisation and resource allocation for around one million US Army personnel and 250,000 civilian staff, met First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins and senior Royal Navy leaders. The discussions focused on how the UK intends to adapt its force structure, integrate autonomous platforms and remain “warfighting ready” as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.

The visit included a tour of the experimental vessel Patrick Blackett, where the Navy demonstrated equipment and systems currently in trial. This included Malloy T-150 quadcopters used for resupply to ships and hard-to-reach locations, Puma remotely piloted surveillance aircraft and scale models of uncrewed platforms such as the XV Excalibur submarine and the Proteus rotary-wing drone.

Malloy aircraft recently saw operational use in the Indo-Pacific, transferring stores between HMS Dauntless and HMS Prince of Wales during the 2025 carrier strike group deployment.

Royal Marines and 700X Naval Air Squadron personnel also briefed the US delegation on frontline use of small uncrewed systems and how these are shaping tactical concepts.

Jenkins said: “It is an honour to welcome the US Secretary of the Army to Navy headquarters and showcase how the Royal Navy is driving innovation and adopting agile practices to evolve into a modern hybrid force. The Royal Navy is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our US partners as they lead ground-breaking initiatives shaping the future of the US Army.”

The visit reflects ongoing alignment between the UK and US on uncrewed maritime systems, digital warfare and undersea infrastructure protection, alongside AUKUS cooperation on submarine technology.