Nyan One-Way Effector successfully demonstrated from HMS Queen Elizabeth
The latest trial highlights the rapid integration of uncrewed precision strike capability from the UK's flagship aircraft carrier
We are proud to share the successful launch of the Callen-Lenz Nyan One-Way Effector (OWE) from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Four Nyan OWE were launched from the aircraft carrier in the North Atlantic, as part of Exercise Neptune Reach B. This trial forms part of the Royal Navy's continued Hybrid Navy development of Maritime OWE under Project VANTAGE – an initiative focused on rapidly testing and delivering autonomous platforms onto crewed naval vessels.
The trial, a tri-service collaboration between the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, demonstrated the ability to safely integrate and operate Nyan from the UK's flagship aircraft carrier.
The successful operation of Nyan from HMS Queen Elizabeth provides another proof-point of how this capability can support future force development and the evolution of the Royal Navy’s vision for a Hybrid Navy. As operational requirements evolve, we continue to invest in uncrewed systems that can provide affordable, scalable combat mass and increase the impact of existing capabilities.
Matt Foster, CEO of Callen-Lenz
This latest activity builds upon the success of Nyan’s launch from the Royal Navy experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett during Exercise Neptune Reach A earlier this year. The platform continues to prove its adaptability in support of evolving operational requirements, integrating with more complex maritime platforms.
Neptune Reach B marks an important milestone in the Royal Navy's understanding of how Maritime One-Way Effectors will contribute to future Carrier Strike operations.
Through Project Vantage we are generating the evidence, operational insight and confidence required to inform future capability decisions while supporting the wider Defence One-Way Effector programme.
Conducting these activities from HMS Queen Elizabeth allows us to explore how uncrewed strike drones might operate alongside other crewed and uncrewed capabilities within a maritime task group. The lessons identified will directly contribute to Maritime Aviation Transformation and our vision for a Hybrid Navy that delivers greater operational choice and effect.Lt Cdr David Burton, Royal Navy Capability Sponsor
Supporting future maritime operations
Operating Nyan from HMS Queen Elizabeth demonstrates the pace at which our uncrewed systems can be integrated into future concepts of operation, supporting our customers’ ambitions to combine crewed and uncrewed capability to extend reach, increase mass and deliver operational effect.
The successful trial also highlights the value of rapid experimentation and close collaboration between Defence and industry, enabling strike capabilities to be assessed in representative operational environments.
Mission partnering for operational advantage
At Callen-Lenz, we remain focused on supporting our customers' ambitions through mission partnering, helping to accelerate the adoption of uncrewed systems that increase operational advantage, reduce risk to personnel and rapidly evolve capability across domains.
The successful demonstration aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth represents another important step towards delivering accessible, scalable and operationally relevant autonomous capability for the UK Armed Forces and international allies.