Royal Navy’s Innovative Drone Delivery for Ship-to-Ship Logistics

In May 2024, during the Akila mission, the Royal Navy celebrated a significant milestone with the successful transfer of supplies between the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and an escort frigate, utilizing the Hercules 20 logistics drone, which can carry a payload of up to 5 kg.

This new procedure not only complements existing operations but also preserves the operational capacity of helicopters, allowing them to focus on critical missions. It also mitigates the complexities and time-consuming nature of at-sea replenishment, during which vessels are vulnerable.

Previously, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) had explored the potential of aerial drones for logistics in 2021. They noted that the logistics surrounding aircraft carriers involve diverse and complex challenges. Delivering even a small part to a ship can significantly impact the availability of onboard systems or aircraft. Notably, 90% of deliveries made by transport aircraft, such as the V22 Osprey and MH-60 helicopter, typically involve packages weighing less than 25 kg, highlighting the potential for drones to handle such tasks.

The Royal Navy took inspiration from this concept and launched the “Heavy Lift” challenge in 2022, aimed at identifying suitable drone models for delivering supplies—including spare parts, munitions, and medical equipment—to its vessels. Among these models is the quadcopter Malloy T-150.

On September 1, 2025, the Royal Navy marked a “historic first” by deploying a Malloy T-150 from the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to deliver essential supplies to the destroyer HMS Dauntless as part of the Highmast mission in the Indo-Pacific region.

Drone deliveries…

For the first time, the #RoyalNavy has delivered supplies from one warship to another using a drone. The Malloy T-150 brought critical parts for repairs from @HMSPWLS to @HMSDauntless during the global #CSG25 mission.

Read more: pic.twitter.com/5wI1upC7lr

— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) September 1, 2025

The Malloy T-150 distinguishes itself from the Hercules 20 with a payload capacity of approximately 68 kg and a range of 70 km.

The objective of this trial was to provide a cost-effective and efficient alternative to helicopters for such deliveries, allowing them to concentrate on operational tasks. The Royal Navy plans to integrate “hybrid” air groups—comprising both drones and crewed aircraft—on its two aircraft carriers.

By taking on part of the logistical burden, the Malloy will enable onboard helicopters to focus on their primary missions, ensuring faster and more efficient resupply for the entire carrier strike group. The commander of the air group aboard HMS Prince of Wales confirmed, “What is most exciting is that we plan to apply these lessons to utilize drones in various other roles, including combat.”

Photo: Royal Navy