People and technology – the Royal Navy’s transition to a hybrid fleet
June 23, 2026By Seawork Press FP
BMT
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The UK Royal Navy is reshaping its force structure to combine high-end crewed platforms with uncrewed systems operating at scale. Project Beehive sits at the centre of this transition, acting as a bridge between hybrid Navy ambition and operational reality.
The programme will see the Royal Navy procure 20 uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to support operations, training and development across units including the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines. Under Project Beehive, BMT has been awarded a contract to support the introduction of uncrewed capability into Royal Navy service.
BMT will deliver operational concept development, safety and risk analysis, independent technical assurance and high-fidelity synthetic simulation to underpin evidence-led decision-making. This includes digital USV models, mission-relevant 3D environments, independent test and evaluation of command-and-control systems, simulation-based training and mission rehearsal, and the generation of assurance evidence to inform Royal Navy decisions.
BMT brings an established relationship with the Royal Navy as an independent technical authority, underpinned by deep expertise across maritime autonomy, simulation, naval operations and safety engineering. This enables the rapid mobilisation of multidisciplinary teams and the provision of impartial technical judgement as uncrewed capability is developed, trialled and integrated - supporting trusted evidence generation, credible operating concepts and operator readiness.
As the Royal Navy invests in digital transformation to enable hybrid fleet operations, BMT has made a corresponding investment in advanced digital and simulation capability. BMT’s Digital Innovation and Simulation Centre (DISC) and ROC-Sim provide the synthetic backbone for delivery under Project Beehive, enabling high-fidelity test, evaluation, assurance and training of uncrewed surface vessels and remote operations. Together, these capabilities allow concepts of operation, command-and-control systems and human–autonomy interaction to be assessed safely before live deployment, supporting the controlled and credible introduction of uncrewed capability into Royal Navy operations.
Capt Adam Ballard RN, DCOM SURFLOT, said, “The Royal Navy is unequivocally on our journey to being a Hybrid Navy; whilst people naturally see the renderings of new large USVs or the photos of MHC or our new Kraken USVs, we must not forget that behind these systems are people and technology. This contract with BMT will ensure that we have world-class simulation to deliver world-class USV operators that can fight and win in this new era of naval warfare.”
Monty Long, BMT Future Business Director, UK and Europe, said, “Project Beehive reinforces BMT’s role as a trusted adviser in maritime autonomy, supporting the Royal Navy to introduce uncrewed capability through evidence-led assurance, digital simulation and operational insight.”
