Navy grappling with the future of its unmanned fleet
Written by Jon Harper
MAY 16, 2022 | FEDSCOOP
The Navy wants to create a “hybrid fleet” that includes a large number of robotics vessels to complement its manned ships, and it is laying the groundwork for such a transformation. However, its new shipbuilding plan and recent comments by senior officials indicate that the future of the unmanned force remains murky.
The service is touting the benefits of having cost-effective uncrewed maritime systems that could conduct a variety of missions — to include intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and offensive strike — and keep sailors out of harm’s way.
Officials say such platforms will be an integral part of the Navy’s future warfighting team.
“Unmanned systems will increase lethality, capacity, survivability, operational tempo, deterrence, and operational readiness,” the Navy stated in its Unmanned Campaign Framework released last year.
https://www.fedscoop.com/navy-grappling-with-what-its-future-unmanned-fleet-will-look-like/
