Fleet Air Arm
Royal Navy considers lessons from 2025 carrier strike group deployment
Operation HIGHMAST was the RN’s major set-piece of 2025, a 222-day global carrier strike group deployment. At CNE 2026, Rear Admiral Anthony Rimmington, Director, Force Generation, laid out some of the lessons the RN can draw from the deployment.
Royal Navy Merlin helicopter crashes in Devon
A Merlin helicopter crashed in a field near Oakhampton in Devon early this morning.
Maritime aviation transformation – the Royal Navy’s plan for a hybrid air wing
Speaking at the Combined Naval Event 2026, Commodore Steve Bolton, Deputy Director Aviation Programmes and Futures, outlined the latest progress on the RN’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MaTX). The journey is well underway, but the hardest challenges are ahead on the way to developing an integrated hybrid air wing.
HMS Prince of Wales leads Royal Navy task group on High North exercises
HMS Prince of Wales sailed from Scotland yesterday for the first phase of operation FIRECREST, leading a small task group on exercises across Nordic waters and the High North.Â
Royal Navy Crowsnest airborne surveillance helicopter deployed to Cyprus
A Merlin helicopter equipped with the Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) system took off from RNAS Culdrose today for the long journey to Cyprus. Equipped with radar and specialist operators on board, the aircraft is ideal for tracking drones flying over water.
Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters arrive to defend Cyprus
After being rapidly prepared and loaded at RNAS Yeovilton, two Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron were transported to Cyprus aboard an RAF C-17 and arrived at RAF Akrotiri today. The aircraft, armed with Martlet Lightweight Multirole Missiles, are being deployed to support British Forces in Cyprus and strengthen local air defences as tensions across the region continue to rise.
Royal Navy drone pilot commended after averting Peregrine RWUAS accident
Lieutenant Commander Adrian Hill, an uncrewed aircraft operator, has received a rare aviation safety commendation after his rapid intervention prevented the loss of a Peregrine Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) during operations in the Middle East. The incident highlights both the risks inherent in early uncrewed aviation deployments and the growing professionalism of RN drone aircrew.
Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter integrates multiple drone data feeds in live trial
For the first time, an RN helicopter has used live data from multiple uncrewed air systems to locate and track a moving vehicle. The successful trial highlights how crewed aircraft could soon act as airborne command nodes within a wider network of sensors and drones.
Royal Navy takes step towards hybrid air wing with first flight of Proteus RWUAS
The RN has reached a significant milestone in naval aviation with the first flight of the UK’s first autonomous, full-size helicopter. The Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) technology demonstrator lifted off from Predannack airfield in Cornwall, another step forward in the integration of uncrewed systems into frontline maritime operations.
