UK Demonstrates Precision Strike Capability in Landmark Drone Trial

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The United Kingdom has successfully tested a new uncrewed rotary drone armed with laser-guided rockets in a major live-fire trial, signalling a significant advancement in precision strike technology. The modified Malloy T-150, renamed TRV-150 under BAE Systems, carried out accurate strikes on both aerial and ground targets during the exercise in the United States, marking a notable step forward in British drone capability.

The demonstration took place on 17 July 2025 at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, where the TRV-150 drone was used to engage a flying target drone and a stationary vehicle with impressive accuracy. The test is believed to be the first of its kind to integrate a guided weapon system on a rotary-wing drone operated by a Western military.

Initially developed as a heavy-lift logistics drone capable of transporting up to 68 kilograms of cargo, the TRV-150 has been adapted into a strike platform. The aircraft can be reconfigured from transport to combat mode in under an hour, offering battlefield flexibility. Anthony Gregory, Business Development Director at BAE Systems’ FalconWorks division, described the successful trial as “a major step forward in our ability to deliver low-cost precision strike capability from an uncrewed platform.”

At the core of the trial was the APKWS, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, a technology that converts conventional 70 mm rockets into laser-guided missiles. This system offers an affordable alternative to larger and more expensive missile defences and provides a scalable solution to the growing challenge of countering aerial threats, including hostile drones.

The drone and weapons integration project were a collaborative effort between BAE Systems in the UK and the United States, in partnership with SURVICE Engineering. Greg Thompson, President of SURVICE, referred to the TRV-150’s performance as a “force-multiplying game changer” with potential battlefield applications beyond its strike role.

Defence analysts have noted the TRV-150’s value not only in combat, but also in logistics, surveillance, and resupply missions in contested environments. The platform’s versatility and rapid re-tasking ability make it especially relevant in a future characterised by dispersed operations and constrained resources.

In a time of growing defence pressures, the UK’s investment in agile and modular systems like the TRV-150 reflects a fiscally responsible and forward-thinking approach. With future development set to enhance autonomy and targeting precision, this trial underscores Britain’s determination to remain at the forefront of military innovation and unmanned capability.