The UK Royal Navy has actually released a substantial new stage in unmanned systems integration by testing the Malloy Aeronautics Heavy Lift Drone aboard the British Royal Navy warship HMS Prince of Wales as part of the UKs 2025 Carrier Strike Group deployment, Operation Highmast.On July 9, 2025, members of the 700X Naval Air Squadron conducted test flights of the heavy-lift drone from the providers flight deck, marking a pivotal moment in the British Royal Navys pursuit of self-governing aerial logistics in maritime warfare.
This effort represents a forward-looking effort to minimize functional danger, broaden logistical reach, and increase battle effectiveness in dispersed marine operations throughout the globe.The 700X Naval Air Squadron is the British Royal Navys expert unit for the experimentation, screening, and implementation of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) within maritime environments.
Running under the Fleet Air Arm, the squadron is entrusted with presenting next-generation unmanned abilities into the fleet.
It serves as the core testbed for autonomous aviation technologies and has become the driving force behind the British Royal Navys ambition to update its logistics and security infrastructure with drone systems fit for both shipboard and littoral operations.The Malloy Aeronautics Heavy Lift Drone, presently undergoing trials, is a vertical liftoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle developed for rapid and robust logistic support missions.
Produced in the United Kingdom, the drone has a payload capability surpassing 180 kgs and can autonomous or semi-autonomous operation over ranges of approximately 70 kilometers.Built with an electric propulsion system, it uses a reduced thermal and acoustic signaturekey benefits in modern maritime and amphibious warfare environments where stealth and survivability are vital.
The drones modular architecture allows quick reconfiguration for different mission profiles, consisting of emergency resupply, casualty evacuation assistance, or shipment of accuracy equipment to frontline units.British Royal Navy 700X Naval Air Squadron workers position a Malloy Aeronautics Heavy Lift Drone for test flight on the flight deck of British Royal Navy attack aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales on July 9, 2025.
British Royal NavyThe British Royal Navy intends to use such heavy-lift drone platforms to considerably improve its tactical logistics capacity throughout high-intensity operations.
In circumstances where helicopters may be at risk from opponent fire or where manned resupply mishandles or impractical, these drones can provide critical supplies between ships, to forces ashore, or straight to dispersed units running beyond conventional logistic reach.This ability is particularly appropriate throughout amphibious operations, objected to landings, and extended objectives in rejected or deteriorated environments.
The trials aboard HMS Prince of Wales show the operational feasibility of deploying unmanned heavy-lift drones from aircraft carriers under real-world conditions, consisting of turbulent wind decks, saltwater direct exposure, and dynamic objective requirements.These tests are being carried out during Operation Highmast, the British Royal Navys significant 2025 release that unites warships, aircraft, and military workers from over a dozen allied countries for a series of strategic workouts throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific.
The operation involves more than 4,500 British military personnel, consisting of 2,500 British Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines, nearly 600 Royal Air Force personnel, and 900 soldiers from the British Army.
The release reinforces the United Kingdoms defense dedications in worldwide maritime areas and acts as a live platform for showing emerging capabilities.Malloy Aeronautics, a British defense innovation firm based in Berkshire, has established the Heavy Lift Drone as part of its portfolio of self-governing air systems developed to meet NATO and UK Ministry of Defence requirements for functional flexibility and sustainability.The companys cooperation with the British Royal Navy in these trials shows a broader defense market pattern towards fast integration of self-governing systems that lower logistical vulnerabilities while improving mission pace and resilience.Source: Army Recognition