The UK Royal Navy’s Littoral Strike Group has trialled innovative and experimental equipment, including drones and autonomous systems, off the coast of Cyprus as part of a three-month deployment to the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. The Littoral Strike Group (Experimentation) [LRGX] exercise includes the deployment of Future Command Force (FCF), which represents the evolution of the Royal Marines into a hi-tech raiding and strike force.
The FCF modernisation project will overhaul how the Royal Marines operate in a 21st century context, providing them with enhanced readiness to defend against the most advanced and novel threats. Commando Forces will be used for Littoral Strike capability, launching from a sea-base to attack targets or influence events in high risk, demanding or politically delicate areas. This will give the UK a more agile and lethal capability, ready for combat or humanitarian missions anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
In Cyprus, commando teams experimented with Malloy T-150 drones, a rugged military-grade quadcopter that can lift up to 68kg of ammunition and other supplies, as well as state-of-the-art communications technology that provides live imagery to units on the ground.
Commodore Rob Pedre, COMLSG (Commander Littoral Strike Group), commented: “Royal Navy Flagship HMS Albion’s hosting of the Capability Demonstration in Cyprus has been a highlight of the LRG(X) deployment. The demonstration by our Sailors and Marines was superb, and showcased the quality of our Armed Forces, whilst providing an insight into how the Royal Navy is integrating future technology and new concepts.”
“The event was also an important expression of the UK’s steadfast commitment to our allies and partners, as we work together to support regional stability within the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Sergeant Adam Sperry of 30 Commando said: “The marines have had to swiftly learn how to use the new equipment and integrate it. That kit has included state of the art communications technology and autonomous resupply aircraft, totally transforming the battle space.”
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