A first-of-its-kind drone landing shows how the British navy plans to keep its new aircraft carriers in action for longer

• During a test in September, a drone flew on and off a British aircraft carrier for the first time.
• The Royal Navy's plan is for drones to carry cargo to carriers, freeing helicopters for other missions.
• Several other Western militaries are making similar plans to add drones to their carrier air wings.

In September, a drone delivered cargo to the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales before flying back to the British mainland, performing the first test of its kind for the Royal Navy.