RAF denies drone trials squadron has conducted zero tests since reforming four years ago

The Royal Air Force has denied claims that its experimental drone testing squadron has conducted no tests or trials since the unit's reformation in 2020.

The denial comes after Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge admitted that 216 Squadron had recommended no drones for purchase or development since April 2020 and one trial planned for last summer was cancelled due to "competing resource priorities".

Responding to written questions, Mr Cartlidge said: "Since the formation of 216 Squadron in 2020 there have been no completed tests or trials conducted either in-house or with industry".

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The RAF, however, has rejected the minister's response and says its trials unit has been involved in drone testing, although the equipment used was the "property of the manufacturers".

The Defence Procurement minister went on to say that "no UAVs have been recommended by 216 Squadron for acquisition into service" to date.

He did add that 216 Squadron personnel have "participated in several technical demonstrations as military advisers and subject matter experts", partnering with the Ministry of Defence's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

Mr Cartlidge's explanation came in response to a parliamentary written question submitted by Glasgow South SNP MP Stewart McDonald.

An RAF spokesperson said: "The RAF has been involved in uncrewed air systems test and evaluation (T&E). However, as the equipment was the property of the manufacturers, the trials activity was generated and completed by industry."