Footage of British Royal Navy’s proteus autonomous helicopter maiden flight

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Footage shows the Proteus, the United Kingdom’s first full-size autonomous helicopter, completing its maiden flight at Predannack airfield in United Kingdom, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. This marked a major milestone for naval aviation and unmanned aerial systems. Built by Leonardo as a technology demonstrator for the Royal Navy, Proteus flew a short test routine using its autonomous control systems under the supervision of ground-based test pilots. The aircraft is intended to help the Royal Navy explore how large uncrewed helicopters could operate alongside crewed aircraft in a future hybrid air wing and support missions such as maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. Developed under a £60 million programme in Yeovil, England, Proteus has a payload capacity of over one tonne and is designed to operate in demanding conditions without onboard pilots — a significant step toward autonomous maritime aviation. Officials described the maiden flight as a “proud moment for British innovation” and a key part of efforts to secure the North Atlantic and enhance NATO defence capabilities.