BlueBear demos autonomous containment tech for RAF

Image courtesy BlueBear

Project CURBER is a joint venture between the RAF RCO and industry to advance autonomous capabilities through testing and evaluating use cases. The demonstration’s success helps to ensure safe autonomous flight and operational flexibility in complex environments and improve the resilience of essential military assets.

The CURBER autonomy containment technology was developed over 18 months. BlueBear – a Saab company – in collaboration with Frazer-Nash Consultancy (FNC), then integrated their advanced systems (Centurion, SmartConnect and SmartNav, with FNC’s SkyPath) for a flying demonstration to evidence safe UAS containment and intra-swarm deconfliction. 

These integrated systems were demonstrated on BlueBear’s Believer and Terrier UASs, showcasing the project’s advancements in autonomous capabilities.

Containment and deconfliction ensures a UAS remains within a safe and predefined area during flight, even in cases of technical malfunctions or unexpected circumstances. 

The demonstration was led by an expert consortium from FNC, BlueBear, Safety Airworthiness & Engineering and Osprey Consulting Services. The data gathered will help to mature autonomous capability for the RAF as well as wider Defence.

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director, Saab UK, said: “BlueBear’s successful demonstration for Project CURBER highlights the power of autonomous technologies in defence. This trial has proven their effectiveness in enhancing operational capabilities and force protection, bringing us a step closer to safeguarding Britain’s future security.”

The recent Strategic Defence Review 2025 highlighted a major shift towards autonomous UAS as part of the UK’s defence modernisation. The RAF’s Autonomous Collaborative Platforms strategy also outlines how the RAF plans to integrate autonomous systems into frontline service over the next decade.

An RAF spokesperson, said: “Autonomous UAS provides distinct operational advantage and enhances protection for our forces. The recent trial for Project CURBER gives us the proven approaches we need to advance a robust and effective future capability.”