The Royal Navy has created its first autonomous squadron to operate uncrewed boats on frontline operations.

The 1st Autonomous Squadron, which was formally launched on Thursday, is based at Portsmouth Naval Base and comprises about 180 personnel who will operate two craft – Rattler training vessels and the Kraken K3 Scout boats.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the force has been created in response to the changing face of modern warfare .

A Navy spokesperson said that the Rattlers are designed to perform a range of operations and have been trialled escorting warships in Scotland while being remotely piloted from 500 miles away.

The Kraken K3 Scout has a range of 600 miles, extendable to 1,100 miles, and has also been tested off the south coast “in force protection, surveillance and reconnaissance roles”, the spokesperson said.

Two Kraken and a Rattler Uncrewed Surface Vessel on display at Portsmouth Naval Base (Ministry of Defence)

Mr Streeting said: “The threat environment we are facing is…