Peregrine helicopter drone at 700X squadron, RNAS Culdrose

This milestone comes as the squadron prepares to introduce the Peregrine helicopter drone into its growing fleet, marking a significant step forward in the Navy’s adoption of next-generation technology.

The squadron was established after the First Sea Lord at the time – today’s Chief of the General Staff, Admiral Tony Radakin – outlined his ambition for the Navy to harness drone technology, operating them alongside the existing helicopter and stealth jets.

A Peregrine drone used by 700X NAS during trials on HMS Lancaster over the summer (Image: Royal Navy) Five years down the line, the Culdrose-based squadron located in Helston has mastered the Puma reconnaissance drone, regularly deploying it from Royal Navy warships for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance missions.’

The Puma has proven its worth across diverse operations. It has assisted boarding teams in anti-drug and disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean, supported HMS Trent’s operations off the coast of Africa, and even aided the Royal Marines during the large-scale Predators Run exercise in Australia.

However, the Royal Navy is not resting on its laurels. The squadron has also gained experience with the Banshee, a jet-powered drone capable of exceeding 400 mph. This high-speed system has allowed the squadron to develop expertise in operating powerful unmanned aerial systems.

700X NAS prepare a Banshee drone for flight at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall during the summer of 2024 (Image: Royal Navy) "We have come a long way in the past five years," explained Lieutenant Commander Marcus Pennant, commanding officer of 700X NAS. "The use of remotely piloted and autonomous systems will continue to grow with new applications, augmenting crewed aviation with some of their key roles."

The next evolution in drone technology for the Royal Navy is the Peregrine, a helicopter drone currently being trialled aboard HMS Lancaster.

A Peregrine drone hovers over the deck of HMS Lancaster (Image: Royal Navy)

This 'game-changing' system boasts powerful Wescam cameras and Thales radars, significantly enhancing the warship's ability to identify targets and detect incoming threats.

Commander Chris Fellows, in overall command of maritime uncrewed air systems at RNAS Culdrose, emphasised the significant shift in capability: "While Puma has proved ideal for localised reconnaissance, especially suited for work with the Royal Marines, our new systems are in a different league and will provide a formidable asset for our warships."