The Royal Navy is currently testing a fleet of drones designed to patrol the seas for Russian submarines. These drones, developed by the company Oshen, have the potential to create a “picket line” between the United Kingdom and Greenland. If initial trials with the Ministry of Defence prove successful, these small aquatic robots could serve as the Navy’s new “eyes and ears” at sea.
The C-star drones, each approximately the size of a bicycle, are rugged and can be produced at a low cost, allowing for mass deployment across vast ocean areas. According to estimates, building a fleet of 1,000 drones would cost between £10 million and £20 million. This affordability makes it easy to replace individual units if they are damaged. The drones are intended to detect Russian nuclear submarines, which can be significantly larger, and are poised for deployment in strategic waters between Iceland, Greenland, and Britain.
The C-star drones are designed for long missions and are difficult to detect due to their small size. A small fishing vessel can launch a constellation of ten drones, making them easy to deploy in various maritime environments. Speaking about the project, Anahita Laverack, co-founder of Oshen, stated, “We could be the early warning system, peppering the area with this long-endurance monitoring system. When we hear something, these tiny little robots will then pass that message along. We could be the first line of defence…the eyes and ears in the sea.”
Laverack, along with co-founder Ciaran Dowds, expressed their ambition to make a significant impact in anti-submarine warfare. “The biggest place to make a difference is anti-submarine warfare. This is the most pressing need,” Laverack remarked. She emphasized the importance of their work in ensuring the long-term security of the nation.
This initiative follows recent discoveries of Russian spy sensors in UK waters, believed to be tracking the UK’s nuclear submarines. Some devices washed ashore, while others were detected by Royal Navy minehunter ships. Defence sources suggest these sensors were deployed to gather intelligence on the UK’s four Vanguard-class submarines, which carry nuclear missiles and are designed to operate undetected as part of the UK’s deterrent strategy.
The Ministry of Defence has raised concerns that Russia’s deployment of spy equipment is part of a broader campaign of “grey-zone” warfare, which includes targeting critical cables, pipelines, and underwater assets. This development aligns with a recent defense pact signed at Downing Street as part of a £10 billion warship deal between the UK and Norway. The agreement aims to safeguard essential undersea cables in the North Atlantic, which are increasingly threatened by Russian activity.
The Ministry also revealed a 30 percent increase in sightings of Russian vessels in UK waters over the past two years. This rise in activity has raised alarms among the UK and its NATO allies regarding the potential risks to undersea infrastructure, particularly following heightened tensions resulting from the invasion of Ukraine. The National Security Strategy Committee has warned that attacks on undersea infrastructure could lead to “catastrophic disruption” to vital financial and communication systems.
In this context, Sir Keir Starmer commented on the need for international cooperation to protect national security. “At this time of profound global instability, as more Russian ships are being detected in our waters, we must work with international partners to protect our national security. This historic agreement with Norway strengthens our ability to protect our borders and the critical infrastructure our nations depend on. Through joint navy cooperation in the North Atlantic, we’re boosting security, supporting thousands of UK jobs, and showcasing Britain’s world-class shipbuilding on the global stage.”
As the Royal Navy continues its drone trials, the potential for enhanced maritime surveillance and security remains a focal point in the ongoing efforts to counter threats in the region. The successful deployment of C-star drones could represent a significant advancement in anti-submarine capabilities, contributing to the UK’s defense strategy in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
