Unmanned systems of the British Army

The Thales Watchkeeper WK450 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for all weather, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) used by the British Army. [1]

It was reported in January 2022 that talks were on-going between the MoD and Elbit Systems in regard to a possible mid-life upgrade. Watchkeeper's out-of-service date is programmed to be 2042. [2]

47th Regiment Royal Artillery is the sole operator of the Thales Watchkeeper WK450. [3]

47th Regiment Royal Artillery Watchkeeper

The L3Harris T7 Multi-Mission Robot is equipped with high-definition cameras, lightning-fast datalinks, an adjustable manipulation arm, and tough all-terrain treads, allowing them to neutralise a wide range of explosive threats. [4]

The T7 replaces the previously used Wheelbarrow Mk8B. The robot is purpose-built to operate in extreme conditions and offers support for high-calibre EOD disruptors. Its unique haptic grip controller also provides precision critical to complex tasks, keeping soldiers out of harm’s way, and saving lives. [5]

The Desert Hawk, in service with 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery, allows for local area reconnaissance and base perimeter protection. Made of a lightweight material, it is capable of rough landings without major damage and is driven by a pusher quiet propeller. Equipped with three cameras, it can transmit real time video to a small laptop carried by the operators. [6]

In December 2022, the MoD announced that under the Tiquila programme, it had awarded £129m contract to Lockheed Martin to purchase Stalker and Indago 4 drones to replace the Desert Hawk III by the end of 2024. [7]

Royal Artillery soldier assembles the Desert Hawk 3 UAS (Unmanned Air System)

Dragon Runner is a lightweight, man portable, back-packable robot capable of detecting a variety of explosive devices without putting the operator in danger, which helps bomb disposal experts find and deactivate improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The version purchased is tracked, with a controllable manipulation arm and a very rugged design to be thrown from vehicles, over fences and through windows without damage.[8]

Dragon Runner Bomb Disposal Robot