The British Royal Navy has unveiled a new unmanned helicopter designed to enhance maritime security and monitor underwater threats, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.
The drone, named “Proteus,” successfully completed its maiden test flight, marking a significant milestone in the navy’s efforts to modernise its surveillance capabilities.
Proteus has been specifically designed for naval patrols and to track underwater targets, offering advanced monitoring capabilities without placing personnel in harm’s way.
The autonomous helicopter represents a major step forward in combining defence and aerial technology for maritime operations.
The project, developed by the defence and aerospace technology firm Leonardo, reportedly cost $80 million to bring to fruition. Royal Navy officials emphasised that Proteus will play a crucial role in safeguarding the seas and responding to potential maritime threats efficiently.
This deployment reflects a growing trend among global navies to adopt unmanned systems, allowing for extended operational reach and reduced risk to human crews while maintaining high levels of effectiveness in both surveillance and defence missions.