822X Squadron RAN

The RAN established a Navy UAS Development Unit in late 2012. This unit was tasked with experimenting with a UAV to test the type's suitability and begin developing procedures. It began flying its first UAV, a leased Boeing Insitu ScanEagle, in March 2013. The Navy purchased two ScanEagles in June 2015, and the unit was renamed the Naval Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit. Schiebel Camcopter S-100 UAVs were acquired in late 2016, and accepted into RAN service on 30 April 2018.^[1]

822X Squadron was formed at HMAS Albatross on 25 October 2018 by redesignating the Naval Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit.^[2] The X in its title indicates that it is a developmental unit; this is the first time the Royal Australian Navy has used such a designation.^[3]

The squadron's role is to experiment with operating UAVs and develop procedures for integrating them into the Navy. Upon formation, the squadron was equipped with Insitu ScanEagle and Camcopter S-100 UAVs. These are intelligence UAVs equipped with high quality cameras.^[3] 822X Squadron's title was drawn from the serial number of the Naval Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit's first aircraft, a ScanEagle designated AV1422.^[3]

As of October 2018, the RAN intended to trial the Camcopter S-100s and ScanEagles for three to five years, and purchase other UAVs in the 2022-23 financial year.^[4] In May 2022 Camcopter S-100s were ordered for the RAN, but this acquisition was cancelled in September 2023 following a change of government and a defence review.^[5] 822X Squadron ceased operating the type on 30 June 2024, at the conclusion of a contract with Schiebel Pacific. Overall, six S-100 Camcopters had been used by the RAN and they had conducted trials from several warships.^[6]

The Boeing Insitu Integrator was selected for the RAN. 822X Squadron began flying operations with the type in October 2025.^[7]