The Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS) has taken a significant step forward in sharpening its operational capabilities by conducting its first joint training with 700X Naval Air Squadron (NAS) on the operation of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). 

The week-long training package, held in Gibraltar, saw RNGS personnel work closely with UAV specialists from 700X NAS. The aim was to equip the Squadron with the skills and qualifications necessary to operate lightweight UAVs at sea, enhancing RNGS’ ability to conduct Maritime Security, Reconnaissance, and Force Protection missions. 

Lieutenant Harper, Assistant Training Officer with 700X NAS, led the instruction and praised the professionalism and commitment of the RNGS team. 

“It has been a privilege to instruct the RNGS team. They approached the course with professionalism and enthusiasm, and despite having no prior UAS experience, they progressed quickly and now possess a strong foundation for operational application.” said Lt Harper. 

This training marks the beginning of an exciting new capability for RNGS, enabling the squadron to extend its reach beyond the line of sight and rapidly assess situations in and around British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). The introduction of UAV operations at sea supports the Royal Navy’s wider Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX), increasing our ability to detect threats early and respond with specialist capabilities to out-think, out- pace and out-fight our adversaries. Our role within Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) underscores our strength abroad and readiness to fight across all domains. 

Among those qualifying during the training was Able Seaman Savage, who is now a qualified UAV operator and sees the new technology as a force multiplier for the Squadron. 

“It’s exciting to be part of this capability from the start,” said AB Savage. “Getting hands-on with the system and understanding how it can help us identify and track contacts from a distance has really shown me how much of a difference UAVs can make to day-to-day operations.” 

Lieutenant Commander Walters, Commanding Officer of RNGS, commented on the significance of this advancement: 

“This is a vital step forward for the Gibraltar Squadron and the Royal Navy. Operating UAVs from our vessels provides a genuine tactical edge, improving our ability to monitor and respond to activity in and around BGTW. We’re proud to be shortly among one of the first units at this level to integrate UAVs at sea, and the support from 700X in helping us achieve this has been outstanding.” 

RNGS remains at high readiness 365 days a year, conducting a variety of maritime tasking within and around BGTW. Operating the patrol vessels HMS CUTLASS and HMS DAGGER, the Squadron’s adoption of UAV capability represents a bold move towards a smarter, more agile way to conduct operations. 

Captain James Hall, the commanding officer of Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, where 700X NAS is based, said this showed how his team can respond to a request for training and support; “We have equipment that has already undergone a test, evaluation, and validation process - in effect, we know what type of drone capability meets the requirement of the operational commander. Having found what works, we have managed to support the RN Gibraltar Squadron to procure the correct equipment and with relevant training in the appropriate operational environment have proven that air-minded mariners can undertake the training and be ready to use the equipment at sea.” 

He added that feedback from the Gibraltar Squadron team will help develop future drone capability.