A method of and apparatus for extending the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle

A method of extending the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (100) is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (a) detecting that an energy storage device (110) on board the UAV is depleted below a threshold level; (b) operating the UAV so as to land at a base station (200); and (c) at least initiating operation of the base station to cause a replacement mechanism (220) thereof to remove the energy storage device on board the UAV from the UAV and to replace this with another energy storage device (120). Other steps are also disclosed. In addition, a UAV (100), a base-station (200) and a command-and-control device (400) arranged to carry out steps of the method are disclosed.