An army battalion based in Warminster has officially taken on a new specialist role focused on the use of drones and battlefield intelligence.
The 2nd Battalion, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment (2 R YORKS), has joined 11 Infantry Brigade and become the British Army’s Near Surface Infantry Battalion following a parade held earlier this month.
The battalion will specialise in using drones and other uncrewed systems to gather battlefield intelligence. Soldiers will also be trained to detect and counter enemy forces using similar technology.
The new role follows four years of work by the battalion within the Army’s Experimentation and Trials Group in Warminster, helping to develop how drones can be used in future military operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Black, Commanding Officer of 2 R YORKS, said, “The role has been awarded to 2 R YORKS after their hard work and expertise in Experimentation & Trials Group (ETG) here in Warminster, where the battalion have spent the last four years shaping the way that the British Army will fight with drones, and provide protection to soldiers on the ground.
“2 R YORKS will continue to be the experts on near surface operations, where they will focus on operational output overseas.”
Pictured: Colonel Jim Howard addressing the battalion
