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Royal Navy demonstrates Wildcat-led network linking helicopters, drones and ground forces across 200 miles

The Royal Navy has demonstrated a secure network linking Leonardo Wildcat helicopters, VTOL uncrewed aerial systems and ground forces across more than 200 miles. The Dragon Rider trial advances the service’s Hybrid Navy concept, in which crewed and uncrewed assets operate as a coordinated force.

Discovered 2026-08-05T04:52:31.086888-07:00 | 2026-08-05T04:52:31.086888-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The trial demonstrates long-range, secure networking between crewed helicopters, VTOL drones and ground personnel—an operational model that could expand surveillance, targeting and force coordination.
The integration of uncrewed assets with the Wildcat provides a concrete step toward the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Navy concept, with implications for future force structure, systems integration and mission planning.
The more-than-200-mile operating range highlights the communications challenge—and potential reach—of distributed maritime operations.

Reported By

navylookout.com FlightGlobal