The United Kingdom Ministry of Defense has acknowledged that its Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is “no longer fit for operational purpose,” prompting a commitment to secure funding for its replacement. This statement came from Lt. Gen. Robert Magowan, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Capability), during a recent hearing with the UK Defence Committee.
As part of cost-cutting measures aimed at saving £500 million ($632 million) over the next five years, the UK announced in November the retirement of 46 Watchkeeper drones. Magowan emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the army to ensure adequate funding for the new drone capabilities expected to be delivered by 2025.
John Healey, UK Secretary of Defence, has previously noted that technological advancements have outpaced the Watchkeeper, justifying its early retirement. Although Magowan did not elaborate on specific plans for its replacement, he indicated that retiring the Watchkeeper would result in significant savings on support costs associated with the aging UAV.
The Watchkeeper program has faced numerous challenges, including delays, cost overruns, and operational crashes. As of September 2022, the UK had invested £1.31 billion in the program, which entered service in 2014 but has rarely been deployed since supporting forces in Afghanistan. Most recently, upgraded Watchkeepers were used in Estonia during Exercise Athena Shield.
In the same hearing, Magowan addressed concerns regarding the replacement of 17 Royal Air Force-operated Puma medium lift helicopters, which are scheduled for retirement in March 2025. He mentioned current explorations of a „range of capabilities” to temporarily fill the operational gaps left by the Puma’s removal, while the UK has already committed to acquiring six Airbus H145 Jupiter helicopters slated to replace the Pumas in 2026.
Airbus has expressed concerns about the impact of the Puma’s withdrawal on the UK’s defense industrial base, suggesting potential job losses in skilled engineering and the aerospace supply chain. Additionally, Magowan provided updates on the £1 billion New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program, which aims to source a successor for another fleet of Puma aircraft. He indicated that the program is progressing, with only one remaining bidder—likely Leonardo—after Airbus and Lockheed Martin exited due to concerns over financial returns.
While the NMH contract award is anticipated next year, it may be affected by the UK’s upcoming Strategic Defense Review (SDR) set for mid-2025, which will reassess national defense priorities and equipment planning.
Further in the hearing, Magowan confirmed that the BAE Systems Bofors Archer self-propelled howitzer is expected to enter service with the British Army in early 2025, and negotiations are ongoing with Germany regarding the implementation of the KNDS Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) wheeled artillery system as a longer-term solution.
