01Army Recognition2026-10-26
British Navy Demonstrates Drone Boat Use in U.S. to Expand Future Naval Strike Operations. (opens in a new tab)
The British Royal Navy demonstrated the Kraken K3 unmanned surface vessel launching three Short-Range Loitering Munition-10 quadcopters during the U.S.-led AUKUS Maritime Big Play Pacific event in San Diego on October 20, 2026. The test showcased how uncrewed boats could deploy aerial drones for reconnaissance or other missions without risking crewed ships. The demonstration aligns with Britain’s £12.3 million Project Beehive, which includes 20 Kraken vessels for future naval operations. While the launch proved system integration, it did not confirm live-strike capabilities or autonomous target engagement.