Tri-Service

Royal Navy Drones Set To Tackle People Smugglers

Britain could deploy a new Royal Navy drone as part of the mission to stop people smugglers in the Mediterranean, according to reports.

They suggest the unarmed ScanEagle drone, designed for real-time intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance, could be sent to scour the Mediterranean.

The drone can fly at speeds of up to 80 knots and stay airborne for around 10 hours, covering areas of around 60 miles from launch, and can be launched by a pneumatic catapult from Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.

The multi-million-pound capability can also be used both in the day and at night thanks to a high resolution camera which can see in the dark and when there is poor visibility.

Last year, after a successful flight from HMS Somerset, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said:

"ScanEagle will play a crucial role in operations and humanitarian missions not only in the Gulf but also on Royal Navy vessels right across the globe, further underlining our commitment to invest in innovative capabilities."

More than 1,500 people are believed to have drowned this year trying to cross into Europe from North Africa, and Britain is among the countries to promise a naval response.

UK flagship HMS Bulwark is on her way to lead Britain’s contribution and there are unconfirmed reports HMS Kent could be about to join her.

Photos courtesy of Boeing Defence UK