Last Updated on April 12, 2026 by allieddispatch | Published: April 12, 2026
In a significant leap for the “Future Soldier” programme, over 350 troops from the Queen’s Royal Hussars (QRH) have been in Sennelager, Germany, trialling a revolutionary way to fight: launching and controlling drones from inside moving tanks.
The exercise, named Senne Hussar, marks the first field deployment of the Army’s new Find and Strike Squadron. This specialised unit is designed to combine reconnaissance, drone technology, and precision-strike capabilities to shape the battlefield at ranges never before seen.
Fighting “Under Armour”
Traditionally, drone operators have to be stationary or dismounted to fly effectively. During these trials, however, tank crews successfully launched surveillance and strike drones directly from their moving armoured vehicles.
By flying “under-armour,” crews can maintain a high tempo of movement while simultaneously receiving live video feeds of what lies over the next ridge. This data is then shared in real-time across the entire battle group, from individual infantry on the ground to commanders in the rear, ensuring everyone has the same “common operating picture.”
The “Type 44” Structure: More Punch, Same Armour
The QRH is one of three heavy armoured regiments transitioning to a new “Type 44” structure. Under this reorganisation:
- One tank squadron in each regiment is converted to sole Reconnaissance and Find and Strike duties.
- Crucially, the number of tanks in the regiment remains the same, but they become more agile and lethal thanks to the integrated drone support.
New Gear: The High-Cut Helmet
It wasn’t just the drones being tested. Troops trialled a new high-cut helmet design. This allows tank crews to clip their communications headsets in and out instantly.
For the modern soldier, this is a massive quality-of-life upgrade, allowing them to move between a vehicle and “on-foot” operations without having to swap out their entire headgear or lose communication with their unit.