Royal Navy 700X Naval Air Squadron flew its Puma drone successfully.

700X Naval Air Squadron flew its Puma drone successfully in the harsh conditions of the Arctic Circle for the first time while back at their Culdrose base, instructors trained their 700th student.

700X launch from a 47 Commando LCVP in Norway (Picture source: LPhot Joe Carter/Royal Navy)

It has been a hectic few months for the squadron who have been testing and operating the latest technology. It comes as the Royal Navy is embracing and investing in innovation to enhance future operations and show its commitment to being a leader in technological advancements.

700X worked alongside Royal Marines from 29 Commando Royal Artillery, small boat specialists 47 Commando, 45 Commando and Royal Navy flagship HMS Albion. In each scenario, they wanted to see how Puma performed and reacted to below-freezing temperatures and icy landing sites.

On the water, as part of unmanned trial Exercise Autonomous Advance Force (AAF), Puma was launched from a 539 Squadron LCVP (landing craft vehicle personnel) for the first time. Data and information from its flight was fed into HMS Albion using an artificial intelligence system – also a first for 700X and Puma.

The squadron also worked alongside a fleet of Norwegian stealth corvettes, testing how Puma could work in amphibious operations.

Alongside its work developing remote air systems for use on warships, 700X also trains people across defence in using quadcopters. These are useful tools which can be deployed by forces such as the Royal Marines or the British Army.

700X launch from a 47 Commando LCVP in Norway (Picture source: LPhot Joe Carter/Royal Navy)