UK-made strike drones launch from HMS Queen Elizabeth

5 November 2026 – The Royal Navy has successfully launched the Nyan One-Way Effector (OWE) uncrewed air system from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier for the first time.

The Nyan system, designed and built by BAE Systems’ entity Callen-Lenz, completed four separate launches from the aircraft carrier in the North Atlantic, as part of the Royal Navy’s Exercise Neptune Reach B. All four drones successfully hit their designated strike points.

The trials demonstrate how Nyan can safely integrate and operate from a large, complex maritime platform, accelerating the Royal Navy’s hybrid navy efforts to expand, reach and deliver operational effect using uncrewed platforms. 

This latest activity follows Nyan’s maiden seaborne launch from the Royal Navy experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett during Exercise Neptune Reach A earlier this year.

Matt Foster, CEO of BAE Systems’ Callen-Lenz, said: “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.”

Lieutenant Commander David Burton, Capability Sponsor, Royal Navy, said: “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.”

A collaboration between the Royal Navy, British Army and the Royal Air Force, the exercise falls under Project Vantage – an initiative focused on accelerating the test and fielding of maritime strike drones.

The Nyan system is a small uncrewed aircraft with a 2.9-metre wingspan, designed to offer a precision strike capability.

These latest trials demonstrate BAE Systems’ strategy of investing in advanced technologies to address emerging operational requirements which is highlighted by its FalconWorks advanced research and technology hub expanding portfolio of uncrewed air systems. 

Building on more than 25 years of experience in uncrewed and autonomous systems, the Company is delivering a range of products capable of working alongside both current and future frontline platforms to provide affordable combat mass.

Photos Crown Copyright