The British Army is gearing up for the future, and it’s doing so without a driver behind the wheel. As part of a sweeping modernisation programme, the UK is actively developing uncrewed land systems, marking a major step towards integrating autonomous technology into warfare.
With multiple projects underway, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking to enhance the Army’s firepower, mobility, and protection in future conflicts. The big question is: just how far will this shift towards automation go?
A Decade of Uncrewed Warfare
On 28th February 2025, Conservative MP James Cartlidge pressed the MoD for answers, asking about the Army’s plans for uncrewed systems. In a written response, Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, confirmed that the military is fully committed to developing this technology over the next decade.
“There are a number of programmes and projects across the Army actively developing and aiming to deliver uncrewed land system capabilities over the next decade,” Eagle stated.
One of the most anticipated initiatives, Project TIQUILA, is set to revolutionise how the Army operates on the battlefield. Though technically an aerial system, this project will give the Royal Artillery a Brigade-level Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS), providing critical battlefield intelligence and surveillance. According to the MoD, it remains on track to reach Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by May 2025.
Billions Invested in the Future
The Army’s drive towards automation isn’t just a side project, it’s backed by a multi-billion-pound investment programme that will unfold over the next ten years.
However, one factor could still shape how far this push for uncrewed ground systems will go: the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review. While the MoD has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of future uncrewed ground vehicles and autonomous military tech, the emphasis on modernisation makes one thing clear, robots on the battlefield are no longer a distant concept, but an imminent reality.
As Project TIQUILA moves forward and new programmes take shape, the UK’s military is heading into uncharted territory, one where soldiers may increasingly rely on machines to do the fighting for them.
