British Military Tests New Nyan Kamikaze Drone on Land and at Sea

The British Armed Forces have conducted the first tests of BAE Systems’ new Nyan strike drone in both maritime and land-based operations.

This small unmanned aircraft has a wingspan of 2.9 meters and is designed to deliver high-precision strikes against enemy targets, according to the company. The drone was designed with mass production in mind.

Callen-Lenz, a company that is part of the FalconWorks technology hub of defense giant BAE Systems, is responsible for the system’s development and production.

The drone was recently launched from the experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett off the southern coast of England during the Neptune Reach exercises. A special launch pad was installed on the ship’s deck for this test.

Nyan – The latest addition to our uncrewed air systems capabilities.

A British-built One-Way Effector now proven across land and sea by the @RoyalNavy and @BritishArmy.

Discover more 🔗 https://t.co/Ap79OQ9W3p pic.twitter.com/Vv2wA31zic

— BAE Systems (@BAESystemsplc) July 3, 2026

The land-based portion of the tests took place in Estonia during the annual Spring Storm exercises, where the British Army tested the Nyan in field conditions. The new drones were deployed to practice strike missions as part of support for NATO allies.

Specialists from a dedicated task force within the Fleet Command and the Air and Space Warfare Center are currently analyzing the results.

Military officials are assessing the system’s combat potential, after which a decision will be made on proceeding to the next phase of testing. In particular, the possibility of launching drones from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is being considered.