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Russian warships and other vessels loitering in waters around Britain face being shadowed by maritime drones piloted from 500 miles away.

The Royal Navy and army have tested seven 7.2m autonomous Rattler boats to monitor vessels in UK waters and in other seas.

They are designed to be fully uncrewed and can operate individually or as part of a swarm, being able to work together as a “wolf pack” to escort or shadow vessels.

Eventually, they will be able to operate without direct human control.

The military recently carried out a 72-hour training exercise with the cre

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