X-Ray Squadron

Utilising a combination of small, highly capable and rapidly deployable autonomous systems, X-Ray Squadron is the home of Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures. Working as single Units or alongside wider Force assets, X-Ray is globally deployable 365 days a year in support of UK and Allied tasking.

Role

X-Ray Squadron is a globally deployable Mine Countermeasures (MCM) unit that delivers expeditionary capability through the employment of autonomous and uncrewed systems. Maintained at high readiness, their mission is to provide rapid, scalable MCM support to UK and Allied operations worldwide.

X-Ray Squadron integrates cutting-edge technology to detect, classify, and neutralise underwater threats, enabling assured maritime access. They operate independently or as part of Maritime Task Groups, contributing critical autonomous MCM capabilities across the full spectrum of naval operations.

Capability

X-Ray Squadron combines expert mine warfare techniques with advanced maritime equipment to safeguard UK and Allied operations worldwide. Their expertise includes identifying contacts of interest and subsequently exploiting them.

Key capabilities include:

Deployable Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), REMUS 100 and REMUS 300.
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Video Ray Defenders
Boats for fast deployment of Autonomous Systems into the Area of Operation. Pac 24, Whiskey 525, 11m Vahana

Crew

Xray Squadron is comprised of 59 personnel, divided into 3 distinct Operational Units (XU1, XU2 and XU3), alongside a highly trained Engineering Support Unit. Based out of HMNB Portsmouth, the Squadron is Commanded by a Lieutenant Commander, and Unit each is led by an Officer-in-Charge (OiC).

Units 1 and 2 hold high readiness duties available for tasking 365 days a year both nationally and globally deployable.

Unit 3 are highly trained specialists in shallow water exploitation, working alongside DTXG counterparts to achieve specific mission objectives.

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