The UK Royal Marines has achieved a series of operational firsts with heavy-lift drones during a deployment in Norway, enhancing Arctic combat capabilities.
During the operation, the marine drone operators of Malloy Flight, Delta Squadron, tested heavy-lift T150B quadcopters for logistical missions, exploring how unmanned systems can move equipment efficiently across extreme terrain while reducing risks to personnel.
The drones supported mortar troops from 40 and 45 Commando, transporting 81mm mortar barrels, tripods, base plates, and ammunition tins.
They also moved general-purpose machine guns and tripods into new positions and delivered a bomb disposal robot, reducing the physical burden on personnel.
In addition, the systems carried blood and medical supplies, while medics were trained in proper loading and receiving procedures.
Boosting Drone Operations
British forces are expanding drone operations to meet evolving operational needs, while testing new technologies and tactics.
The T150B heavy-lift quadcopter, approved for front-line operations last year after extensive testing, can carry up to 68 kilograms (150 pounds), operate for 40 minutes, and reach speeds of 60 miles (97 kilometers) per hour.
Colour Sergeant Dan Lyness, commander of Malloy Flight, said the team was the first to integrate drones into ground operations with the UK forces in the Arctic.
Flights were conducted across extreme terrain and in sub-zero conditions, reaching temperatures as low as -28 degrees Celsius (−18.4 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing essential equipment to be moved without lengthy overland transport in harsh conditions.
“This is a completely new capability that we are learning to exploit to enable greater movement on the ground with a reduced risk to life leveraging modern technology to our advantage,” stated Lyness.
“Heavy lift uncrewed aerial systems have been used extensively in the Russia/Ukraine conflict with many new use cases, so it is critical we master this emerging capability quickly, training in the high north is a key part of that.”
