The unit was formed to oversee the development and innovation of cutting-edge remote-piloted flight systems within the Royal Navy.
Company Name
700X Naval Air Squadron
Location
Culdrose, Cornwall
Launched
2014
Founded by
Royal Navy
Business Focus
Remote-piloted flight systems
What they do
Remotely-piloted air systems (RPAS) – better known as drones – play an important role across the whole of the Armed Forces.
700X Naval Air Squadron is the Royal Navy’s specialist unit for uncrewed aviation, based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall.
Established in 2014, the squadron plays a pivotal role in advancing the Royal Navy’s drone capabilities, operating a range of remotely piloted air systems (RPAS) for various operational and experimental purposes.
Introduction
The squadron’s primary mission is to evaluate and integrate RPAS into naval operations, enhancing maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and logistical support. 700X NAS has been instrumental in testing and deploying systems such as the AeroVironment Puma, Wasp III, Peregrine rotary-wing UAV and the T-150 heavy-lift drone.
These systems have been utilised in diverse scenarios, including shipborne operations and carrier strike group missions, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness in enhancing naval capabilities.
Enhancing Naval Logistics Through Drone Integration
In 2025, 700X NAS embarked on a significant deployment, integrating heavy-lift drones into the Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) to support ship-to-ship resupply operations. This initiative underscores the squadron’s role in modernising naval logistics and operational strategies through the adoption of advanced drone technologies.
Leadership in Uncrewed Aviation Innovation
Under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander Steve ‘Cookie’ Cooke, 700X NAS continues to lead the Royal Navy’s efforts in uncrewed aviation, contributing to the development of innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
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