Are UK aircraft carriers like HMS Prince of Wales protected from drone attacks

17th November 2025

HMS Prince of Wales and other UK aircraft carriers are protected against drone threats, but their defences rely on a layered system of escorts, sensors, and aircraft rather than the carrier alone.

The Royal Navy is actively integrating new counter-drone technologies, but this remains an evolving challenge.

How UK Carriers Defend Against Drones
Carrier Strike Group Protection HMS Prince of Wales never sails alone. It operates as part of a Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which includes destroyers, frigates, submarines, and support ships. These escorts provide air defence, electronic warfare, and missile interception capabilities to shield the carrier.

Airborne Defences

F-35B Lightning II jets: These advanced fighters can intercept hostile drones before they reach the carrier.

Merlin helicopters with Crowsnest radar: Provide airborne early warning, spotting low-flying drones at long range.

Shipboard Sensors & Weapons

Sea Ceptor missiles (on escorts) and Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) on the carrier itself can shoot down incoming drones.

Electronic warfare suites can jam or disrupt drone communications.

Emerging Counter-Drone Measures
Drone Integration Trials The Royal Navy has been testing drones onboard HMS Prince of Wales — for logistics and surveillance. These trials help the Navy understand how drones operate in carrier environments, which is crucial for counter-drone tactics.

Future Combat Drones The UK Ministry of Defence is investing in stealth combat drones and autonomous systems to operate alongside carriers. This includes the Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) program, which will bring uncrewed aircraft into the fleet.

NATO Coordination HMS Prince of Wales is now under direct NATO command during exercises, meaning its defences are integrated into wider alliance systems giving it access to multinational surveillance and counter-drone assets.

Challenges & Risks
Drone Swarms: Large numbers of cheap drones could overwhelm traditional defences.

Civilian Drones: Small commercial drones are harder to detect and intercept.

Rapid Tech Evolution: Adversaries are constantly improving drone stealth and autonomy, requiring continuous upgrades to Royal Navy defences.

UK carriers like HMS Prince of Wales are not sitting ducks — they're protected by a layered defence system combining escorts, aircraft, sensors, and NATO integration. However, drone warfare is evolving fast, and the Royal Navy is racing to adapt with new technologies and tactics.