In the United Kingdom, test launches of FPV drones from a transport helicopter were conducted (video)
The Royal Air Force of Great Britain conducted the first public tests of launching FPV drones from aboard a Chinook heavy transport helicopter. This was reported on the official page Royal PS in the X social network.
The tests took place within the framework of an innovative program called Hornets Nest, which involves the adaptation of various platforms for the mass use of FPV drones. One of the directions of the project is the use of helicopters as mobile launch points for drones to perform tactical tasks in the combat zone.
The British Armed Forces are accelerating the integration of FPV drones into the structure of their combat units. The Ministry of Defense is actively developing new strategies for the use of such drones on the battlefield, which indicates the gradual formation of its own system of combat drones.
In April 2025, the British Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Viking Arms for the supply of 180 FPV drones for training purposes. The total value of the deal was 256,000 pounds sterling (approximately 336,000 US dollars), and delivery was planned to be completed within 19 days. The purchase covers three series of drones: 5 inches (12 cm), 8 inches (20 cm) and 10 inches (25 cm) — 60 units of each model.
The UK Ministry of Defense is supporting the development of the unmanned technology industry by allocating £4.5 billion to the research, procurement and large-scale deployment of drones for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The department notes that unmanned systems play an increasingly important role in modern wars. “This is a breakthrough technology that is constantly improving and the UK must continue to invest in its development to maintain an edge over potential adversaries,” the ministry said.
In parallel with the FPV direction, Great Britain is actively developing a fleet of surface drones to perform a wide range of tasks: from reconnaissance to countering enemy drones, from EW operations to cargo delivery and assault operations.
We will remind you that the Kraken3 Scout Medium multifunctional surface drone was recently presented. This vehicle has two compartments for transporting cargo and is capable of acting as a kamikaze drone, an electronic warfare platform or a means of delivering ammunition and personnel. During the demonstration in Tampa, the drone was equipped with the Titan 4 EW complex developed by AV, which is designed to suppress the signals of enemy drones.
The drone can also be equipped with multiple Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 FPV drone launchers, enabling complex combat scenarios involving multiple types of drones simultaneously, according to AV’s senior technical director.
