The squadron formed at RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus), situated near Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire, approximately four miles west of Portsmouth, on 10 February 1943 (1943-02-10).

[4] It reformed on 20 July 1951, from 737 Squadron X Flight, as an anti-submarine trials and development unit at RNAS Eglinton (HMS Gannet)[4] and continued in this role until 31 October 1956 when it was disbanded.

It operated as a joint unit under the Air Warfare Centre, evaluating and testing new helicopter and fixed-wing platforms, including their avionics and weapons.

This marked a significant evolution, as the squadron became the Ministry of Defence's lead unit for testing and evaluating uncrewed air systems (UAS).

Serving as the Ministry of Defence's primary entity for UAS, JUAS TES is instrumental in influencing the future trajectory of air systems and their operational capabilities in the United Kingdom.

The squadron continues to support the Crowsnest Programme, an airborne early warning and control system for the Royal Navy's Merlin HM2 helicopters.

This programme is key to enhancing the Royal Navy's ability to detect and respond to airborne and surface threats, maintaining the strategic capability of the fleet.