Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 16, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 19, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleThe UK Navy's Proteus, an autonomous helicopter, completes its maiden flight to counter North Atlantic threats, enhancing defense capabilities.
LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Britain’s Royal Navy said on Friday its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed to track submarines and carry out other high-risk missions amid rising North Atlantic tensions, had completed its maiden flight.
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The British navy said the helicopter, named Proteus, had successfully completed a short test routine.
Developed under a 60 million-pound ($80.46 million) programme, it was key to defending Britain and NATO allies against what it called "evolving threats" in the North Atlantic.
Designed and built by defence and aerospace group Leonardo, Proteus relies on sensors and computer systems powered by software that allows it to interpret its environment and make decisions, the navy said.
The navy said it was designed for anti-submarine warfare, sea patrols, and underwater vessel tracking.
"Proteus represents a step-change in how maritime aviation can deliver persistence, adaptability and reach – conducting the dull, dirty and dangerous missions in challenging environments without putting human operators at risk," said Nigel Colman, UK managing director of Leonardo Helicopters.
The navy already operates several drones, including a small surveillance helicopter, but Proteus is bigger and more sophisticated.
($1 = 0.7457 pounds)
(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by William James)
An autonomous helicopter is a type of aircraft that can operate without human intervention, using advanced sensors and software to navigate and perform tasks.
Anti-submarine warfare refers to the tactics, techniques, and technologies used to detect and counter submarines, often involving aircraft and naval vessels.
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance of countries from North America and Europe formed for mutual defense against aggression.
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