Britain spending billions developing our drone capabilities over the next 10 years

BRITAIN is splashing out billions on developing our drone warfare capabilities.

Armed Forces chiefs have pledged to spend £4.5billion on the tech in the next ten years.

The new drone strategy, unveiled today, aims to speed up access to technology and testing for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Drones are used in intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, strike and logistical roles.

The strategy was inspired by lessons learned in Ukraine, which has taken delivery of more than 4,000 UK drones since Russia’s invasion.

James Cartlidge, the defence procurement minister, said: “The conflict in Ukraine has been an incubator for new ways of war and we need to implement those hard-fought lessons.

“Rapidly being able to develop and upgrade uncrewed systems will be key to gaining battlefield advantage.”

The Commander of Strategic Command, General Jim Hockenhull, said while drones alone will not win wars, a failure to develop and use them will “almost certainly” lose conflicts.

He added: “This strategy offers the opportunity to transform our approach.

“The partnership with industry will be vital to ensure we harness innovation and generate world-leading capability.”

Former PM Theresa May joined for the strategy launch in her constituency in Maidenhead, Berkshire.