Special forces commandos are set to get futuristic submarine-launched underwater drone vessel for covert ‘kill or capture’ missions
- The submarine, nicknamed the ‘bat-sub’, would carry three divers to targets
- It would then lie waiting for them to complete missions and carry them to safety
- Its makers say the submarine can be piloted remotely or by human passengers
- The Special Boat Service could order the subs this year if they pass testing
Commandos are set to received a remarkable underwater drone for unique ‘capture or kill’ missions.
The so-called ‘bat sub’ is reportedly being readied for use by special forces divers, and is capable of being launched from a submarine to transport divers beneath the waves.
According to the Sun, the drone can sail on the surface before diving and ‘hovering underwater’ while troops carry out missions.
The remarkable vessel could be ordered later this year by the SBS if it passes a series of tests
Sources told the newspaper that it could be employed by the Special Boat Service, the naval equivalent of the SAS, by the end of the year if it passes tests.
The UK manufactured vessel, which is officially called the ‘Diver Delivery Craft’, carries three special forces divers around beneath the waves.
After being launched from a submarine it can take divers to targets up to 50 miles away and help them launch missions without being detected.
Maker Defence Submersible International say it is specifically designed for ‘specialist military’ missions allowing armed SBS divers to one day carry out ‘long range, covert insertion and reconnaissance missions’.
The firm adds: ‘This DDC offers range, speed and duration required for modern day special operations.’
One source said: ‘This is being billed as the new British Special Forces diver delivery craft.’
The craft is reportedly designed to transport special forces divers to covert missions without being detected