May 12, 2026: During testing, a submerged submarine of the French Navy launched and retrieved an American Naval Drone in an experimental procedure.

The March test involved the use of an American Navy Razorback underwater drone from a submerged French Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine off the coast of Toulon, France. This established that the submarine’s removable dry deck shelter can be used for underwater drone operations. The drone conducted oceanographic measurements during the operation. The tests explored the capability for use of the drone in operations.

The French Navy’s project was developed alongside the U.S. submarine force, which shared drone specifications and recovery procedures. French forces developed the test and the French Directorate General of Armament provided technical expertise.

This successful launch is a testament to the strong partnership between the French and U.S. navies. The ability to deploy American assets from allied submarines expands our operational reach and enhances our collective undersea warfare capabilities. It demonstrates the two navy’s shared commitment to maritime security and stability.

The exercise highlights the versatility of both the French attack submarine platform and the Razorback drone system. By integrating these advanced technologies, the two navies are developing new tactics and procedures for undersea operations.

Meanwhile, the British Royal Navy is advancing its mine hunting capabilities by converting a dock landing ship to operate various drones for mine hunting operations. Dock landing ship RFA Lyme Bay\ L3007 was brought out in Gibraltar with systems and equipment to enable it to be the Royal Navy’s mothership for an array of hi-tech MCM/Mine CounterMeasures equipment. After it is outfitted with the technology, Lyme Bay will be able to store, prepare, deploy and recover a variety of autonomous and crewless technology, from underwater drones to mine hunting boats, acting as a manned mothership for drones.

RFA Lyme Bay is preparing for a potential mine hunting mothership position and is a perfect example of building a hybrid Navy, one where crewed ships and high tech uncrewed systems work together seamlessly to keep British sailors safe and the seas secure. Mine countermeasures have always been crucial work, and employing autonomous technology ensures that the Royal Navy remains effective at underwater defense.

Lyme Bay, from late 2025 to early March this year, was left in an inactive status in Gibraltar before being reactivated shortly after the Israeli American war against Iran began. It is one of four Bay-class dock landing ships that provide amphibious and sealift capability for Britain. One of the ships was decommissioned and sold to Australia in 2011, entering service with the Royal Australian Navy as HMAS Choules/L100. RFA Mounts Bay/L3008 returned to service this year following a refit, while RFA Cardigan Bay/L3009 is in drydock, pending a refit.

The Royal Navy announced that it accepted the delivery of the second of four remotely controlled boats to conduct mine hunting operations, with Adventure joining the in-service Ariadne as part of an Anglo-French collaboration employing the latest technological advances to deal with the threat of mines.

Adventure is classed as a primary system in the MMCM/Maritime Mine Counter Measures program and is capable of carrying a payload comprising other uncrewed survey and mine warfare systems, such as the SAMDIS towed synthetic aperture Multiview sonar, which is used to map the seabed.

Together with the primary system is a portable operations center from where mine warfare experts direct the mission, according to the release. The boat was designed to allow operators to clear mines in seas up to State 4 and supports detailed seabed mapping in complex maritime settings.

Together the MMCM program, delivered by the international group Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement/Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation, introduces a modern autonomous mine countermeasures solution, built around advanced crewless systems and an expanded mission suite designed to enhance safety and operational effectiveness at sea. Initial MMCM systems deliveries to France and the U.K. occurred in 2024 and 2025.