Patrolling vast ocean waters, tracking smugglers in the dead of night, and relaying intelligence in real-time, all without a pilot. The Royal Navy has just turned this into reality with its latest high-tech asset, Peregrine, a mini remotely piloted helicopter that is already proving its worth on operations in the Middle East.
This state-of-the-art drone, measuring just 10 feet in length, has taken to the skies from HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 frigate, on its first extended deployment. Launched directly from the ship’s flight deck, Peregrine is far more than just an eye in the sky, it is a force multiplier, extending the Navy’s ability to track and intercept illicit activity across vast ocean territories.
Aerial Surveillance Like Never Before
Peregrine’s mission? To monitor the notorious ‘Hash Highway’, a well-established smuggling route for illicit cargo. Flying both day and night, it provides live radar feeds and high-resolution imagery straight to HMS Lancaster’s operations room. With its infra-red and electro-optical cameras, it can pierce through darkness, poor weather, and low visibility conditions.
Capable of reaching speeds of 125mph and remaining airborne for up to five hours, this UAV extends HMS Lancaster’s surveillance reach far beyond the horizon, providing crucial intelligence that gives the Royal Navy a decisive edge over its adversaries.
A Vital Asset in the Fight Against Smugglers
Peregrine has already played a pivotal role in detecting suspect vessels, allowing Royal Marines aboard HMS Lancaster to intercept and search suspicious shows, resulting in the seizure of drugs and other contraband. This airborne scout does not just locate threats, it ensures a swift and informed response.
Commander Sam Stephens, commanding officer of HMS Lancaster, praised the deployment, stating:
“Integrating this force-multiplier into the longest-serving operational Type 23 frigate whilst deployed on operations is a significant achievement. This is just the start, as we continue to unlock the game-changing capability with every flight, gaining the advantage over smugglers and adversaries alike.”
Defence Against the Growing Drone Threat
Peregrine is not just about going on the offensive. It also makes HMS Lancaster the first Royal Navy warship in the Indian Ocean to be equipped with a cutting-edge counter-drone system, a vital addition given the rise in drone attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the past 18 months.
As drone warfare becomes an increasing threat, the Royal Navy’s ability to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones is more critical than ever. Peregrine provides a much-needed early warning and surveillance advantage, reinforcing the security of British naval operations.
Strengthening HMS Lancaster for the Future
Before returning to active patrols, HMS Lancaster underwent significant upgrades during maintenance in Bahrain. The frigate received enhanced weapons systems and sensors, along with a major overhaul of its power supply, so extensive that engineers had to cut into the ship’s structure to replace a diesel generator.
Now back on operations, HMS Lancaster is once again patrolling the Gulf as part of its three-year-long security mission, which began in 2022. With Peregrine now in its arsenal, the Royal Navy is stronger, more adaptable, and better prepared than ever to face emerging maritime threats.
