In a previous post I briefly look at the role of HMS Bulwark during the Olympics and these photographs show how many small craft were in the task force.
Over 90 vessels gathered for the group. The Vessels included HMS Bulwark, the centre of Maritime security for the Olympic Games in Weymouth and Portland, UK Border Agency, civilian LOCOG, Police RIBs, jet skis, Royal Marine (RM) Offshore Raiding Crafts, RM Landing Craft Utility, Sea Cadet training ships, Liberty Lass, Royal Navy RIBs, P2000s and an 814 Squadron Merlin helicopter.
The area around Weymouth that was being covered by HMS Bulwark is in the grand scheme of things, relatively small (although very busy), so this number of small craft from many agencies demonstrates, at least to me, that for missions like this, there is no substitute for numbers.
That said, would a small number of maritime UAV’s like the Scan Eagle been able to reduce the need for so many small craft?
Probably not, as I don’t think we can fly UAV’s in such congested air space ?
A certified system such as Watchkeeper coming online in time would have been advantageous. Another reason why the programme is worth the effort despite the delays. A system capable of operation in civilian airspace is not only extremely useful to us, but eminently exportable too.
So how does a UAV speak to someone and tell them to turn around or move away?
Nice picture I assume we may need ribs ect to control this area as it was really a civil action I assume in a more military operation the roe may allow a quicker ability for weapons engagement.
A lot of the south of England is class A airspace not sure if it covers where the sailing was but watchkeeper won’t be flying in that no Uav will for a very very long time if ever.
@Andy – I imagine the UAVs would be used to direct RHIBs and other assets to where they are needed, to intercept suspect vessels etc more efficiently, rather than to interdict directly.
I have seen a few videos where unmanned vessels have speakers on them
Welcome to TD Andy, by the way!
wot no WAFUs ? I saw a press clipping that 814 NAS were involved ?