UK to spend £150m on underwater drones as Russia tensions mount

The UK is set to spend £150 million on underwater drones for the Royal Navy amid growing fears over the threat posed by Russia. Reports suggest the drones could be used to clear mines or protect key undersea infrastructure.

The Navy announced in August it had been testing the use of uncrewed and autonomous technology to safeguard underwater infrastructure during trials off the coast of Australia. Concerns over the vulnerability of UK and Western undersea cables and pipes has soared following a series of incidents in the Baltic Sea. Up to 24 drones will initially be bought by the Ministry of Defence, according to a new contract notice.

However, more drones could be purchased in addition to this in the future, The Telegraph reports.

It is not clear what type of drone is being pursued.

The contract value reportedly suggests each drone could cost up to £6 million each, with the purchase set to be part of the Navy's mine hunting capability programme.

The Telegraph reported that the main focus of the drones will be on identifying underwater mines in war zones.

A defence source told the newspaper: "We're calling on the defence sector to bring their best innovations to ensure Royal Navy sailors have the most advanced underwater technology ready to deploy from the North Sea to NATO operations."

It comes days after specialist mine hunting ship HMS Stirling Castle set sail for sea trials as a Royal Navy warship for the first time.

The vessel had previously been part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary but was handed over to the Navy in July. It is the first mine countermeasures mother ship acquired to provide a floating base for autonomous technology.

The Navy is increasingly shifting towards drones for anti-mine missions. Many of the traditional mine countermeasure vessels are set to retire in the coming years. The UK's first vessel for detecting and destroying sea mines, known as Ariadne, was delivered to the Navy in March.