Category: Latest news

Britain Debuts Full-Scale Autonomous Helicopter for High-Risk Naval Operations

Jan 16, 2026 19:25

2 min read

Authors: Roman Kohanets
News Writer

The headline is mostly consistent but a bit too specific. The text says Proteus made its first flight and is intended for North Atlantic patrol and deterrence against “evolving threats,” including concern about Russian submarines and maritime activity, bu

Britain’s Royal Navy said its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed for anti-submarine patrols and other high-risk missions in the North Atlantic, completed its maiden flight, according to Reuters on January 16.

The uncrewed aircraft, named Proteus, carried out a short test routine after taking off from Predannack airfield in Cornwall, the navy said.

Developed under an $80.46 million program, the system is intended to help defend Britain and NATO allies against what the navy called “evolving threats” in the North Atlantic.

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The UK’s first autonomous full-size helicopter, #Proteus, has completed a historic maiden flight at Predannack airfield in Cornwall.

Designed and built by #Leonardo in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters, Proteus is a major step forward in autonomous maritime… pic.twitter.com/nqZ9Qyp23Z
— Leonardo Helicopters (@LDO_Helicopters) January 16, 2026

Proteus was designed and built by aerospace and defense company Leonardo, and uses sensors and computer systems powered by software that allows it to interpret its environment and make decisions, the Navy said.

It is designed for anti-submarine warfare, sea patrols, and underwater vessel tracking, with Leonardo Helicopters’ UK managing director Nigel Colman saying it can carry out “conducting the dull, dirty and dangerous missions in challenging environments without putting human operators at risk.”

Category: War in Ukraine

Ukraine Hits Russian Submarine With Underwater Drone “Sub Sea Baby” in Historic First

Dec 15, 2025 21:15

The announcement comes as foreign militaries place greater emphasis on monitoring waters used by Russian vessels and submarines, including the area between Greenland, Iceland, and Britain, where the US has also said it wants to expand its ability to monitor maritime activity.

Russia has said that claims that Moscow and Beijing pose a threat to Greenland are a myth. The Royal Navy already operates several drones, including a smaller surveillance helicopter, but said Proteus is bigger and more sophisticated.

Earlier, it was reported that a Ukrainian deep-strike drone destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter far behind the front lines.