In a bold step toward revolutionizing naval logistics, the British Royal Navy has begun testing the Malloy Aeronautics Heavy Lift Drone aboard its cutting-edge aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, as part of Operation Highmast and the upcoming 2025 Carrier Strike Group deployment. This marks a landmark development in the Navy’s integration of unmanned systems to streamline operations and support sustained combat presence across the globe.
Operated by the experimental 700X Naval Air Squadron—a unit dedicated to advancing Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS)—the drone trials represent more than technological experimentation; they signify a strategic shift toward reducing manned risk, extending logistic reach, and enabling faster resupply in high-threat or hard-to-reach environments. As the Royal Navy redefines naval logistics for the modern era, this initiative places drone technology at the heart of next-gen maritime warfare.
The Malloy Heavy Lift Drone is a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) system designed and built in the UK. It boasts a lifting capacity of over 180 kilograms and a range of up to 70 kilometers, operating autonomously or semi-autonomously. With an electric propulsion system, the drone operates quietly with minimal thermal signature—ideal for stealthy resupply during contested amphibious assaults or covert maritime missions. Its modular configuration allows quick adaptation for tasks such as urgent medical supply drops, equipment deliveries, or even evacuation support.
These capabilities could radically transform logistical chains during naval deployments. Where helicopters might be exposed to enemy fire or unable to reach isolated units, the Malloy drone offers a nimble, efficient alternative. Its ability to shuttle supplies between ships or from carrier to shore could be a game-changer during distributed operations and expeditionary campaigns in denied or degraded environments.
The testing phase aboard HMS Prince of Wales—conducted during Operation Highmast—serves as both a validation of the drone’s shipborne capability and a glimpse into the future of Royal Navy logistics. Highmast, a global-scale deployment involving over 4,500 UK personnel and contributions from more than a dozen allied nations, provides a real-world proving ground for unmanned integration under operational stressors like turbulent wind decks, saltwater exposure, and dynamic mission timelines.
Malloy Aeronautics, the UK-based developer of the drone, is actively collaborating with the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence to deliver unmanned platforms that meet NATO’s evolving demands for flexible, resilient logistics. The company’s involvement underscores a wider movement within the defense sector to embed autonomous systems into core operational roles—streamlining supply chains while minimizing exposure to hostile threats.
For the Royal Navy, the Malloy drone represents more than hardware—it’s a force multiplier. As part of the Future Maritime Aviation Force vision, these systems could ultimately reduce the burden on manned aircraft, expand endurance across the fleet, and provide rapid, on-demand support for naval units operating far from home bases.
In sum, this milestone is a clear indication that the Royal Navy is not just modernizing but leading the way in maritime drone logistics. With platforms like the Malloy Heavy Lift Drone, the UK is charting a course toward smarter, safer, and more agile naval operations in an increasingly complex global threat landscape.
