British Army’s Watchkeeper ISR drone demonstrates capabilities in Estonia

By Defence Industry Europe

The British Army's advanced Watchkeeper Uncrewed Air System (UAS) has successfully completed a series of ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) missions over Estonia during Exercise Athena Shield. Operated by 47th Regiment Royal Artillery, the Watchkeeper has recently received an upgrade to its sensors, enhancing its ability to support operations on NATO's Eastern Flank.

 

Over sixty soldiers from 43 Battery (Lloyd’s Company), based in Wiltshire, were deployed to Estonia to test the system in unfamiliar environments. Working closely with Estonian military and civilian authorities, the training included planning and conducting flying operations in challenging weather conditions, airspace deconfliction, and coordination with the Estonian Control and Reporting Centre, a key component of NATO’s Baltic air defence system.

The Watchkeeper UAS is equipped with sophisticated radar technology and a Ground Movement Target Indicator (GMTI), capable of detecting movement across thousands of square kilometres. Its day and night cameras, networked to senior commanders and analysts, provide high-quality imagery, while its laser pointer allows troops on the ground to observe targets using night vision equipment.

 

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The system plays a crucial role in the Army’s Land Tactical Deep Find capability, supporting long-range targeting of enemy forces. Watchkeeper’s surveillance abilities are vital for Corps and Divisional operations, enabling a rapid response to threats. The UAS has previously served in Afghanistan and has logged nearly 4,000 flying hours since its first flight in 2010.

Exercise Athena Shield highlighted key operational assumptions about the Watchkeeper’s ability to deploy on short notice, adapt to new flying locations, and conduct successful planning with host nations. According to Colonel Richard Ball, Commander of the Uncrewed Air Systems Group, the exercise demonstrated the Watchkeeper’s utility in delivering ISTAR capabilities that enhance the 3rd United Kingdom Division’s warfighting role.

The soldiers operating Watchkeeper fulfil four essential roles: aircrew, responsible for flying the UAS and securing reconnaissance data; groundcrew, who prepare, launch, and recover the aircraft; engineers from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), maintaining the system; and support staff providing logistics, flight operations, and administrative assistance. All pilots undergo a rigorous training programme, including simulator training, before earning their Army Watchkeeper Pilot wings.

 

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The Watchkeeper system, developed and built in the UK by Thales, represents a significant contribution to British manufacturing, supporting jobs and expertise. It is a highly adaptable system of systems, comprising air vehicles, ground control stations, and resilient communication systems, capable of operating in a range of military and security missions across varied environments. Its certification ensures its ability to fly both in the UK and in international theatres.

 

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