Royal Navy Tests Tethered Drone From Robotic Boat

ACUA Ocean and Teledyne FLIR Defense demonstrated an autonomous maritime surveillance system for the UK Ministry of Defence and offshore partners. The trial paired ACUA Ocean's Pioneer uncrewed surface vessel with Teledyne FLIR's SkyCarrier system, which launched and recovered a tethered SkyRanger R70 drone at sea. Continuous tethered power and data are intended to extend aerial observation for missions such as maritime ISR, anti-submarine warfare support, mine countermeasures, and offshore infrastructure monitoring. The demonstration did not include a production contract or confirmed Royal Navy program of record.