The Royal Navy is diving headfirst into the future of underwater warfare with its latest project, Excalibur. This isn’t just about building a new uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV); it’s about rethinking how the Navy operates in the depths. The lessons from Excalibur will build on the Navy’s experience with existing programs, like the mine-hunting capability initiative, to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems seamlessly. Commodore Marcus Rose, Deputy Director Underwater Battlespace Capability, emphasised that this isn’t just about adding new tech—it’s about transforming how the Navy fights.
The name Excalibur carries weight, nodding to a high-speed experimental submarine trialled by the Royal Navy in the 1950s and 1960s. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a reminder that innovation has always been at the heart of naval power. The project, funded by the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Spearhead program, comes with a £15.4 million (US$20.1 million) price tag. That’s serious money, but it’s an investment in the future of underwater warfare.
The real game-changer here is the integration of uncrewed systems into the broader naval strategy. Excalibur isn’t just about autonomy—it’s about how uncrewed systems can work alongside crewed vessels to create a more agile, responsive force. This is where the rubber meets the road. The Navy isn’t just buying a new tool; it’s building a new way of fighting.
The lessons from Excalibur will shape how the Navy uses these technologies in a mixed force. It’s about more than just technology—it’s about tactics, doctrine, and the human element. How do crewed and uncrewed systems work together? How do you command and control a force that includes both? These are the questions that Excalibur will help answer.
This project is a step forward in the Navy’s broader push to modernise its underwater capabilities. It’s part of a larger trend in defence innovation, where uncrewed systems are playing an increasingly vital role. From mine hunting to anti-submarine warfare, the Navy is betting big on autonomy.
The stakes are high, but the potential payoff is even higher. Excalibur could redefine underwater warfare, making the Royal Navy more effective, more adaptable, and more ready for the challenges of the 21st century. This isn’t just about keeping up with the competition—it’s about setting the pace.