It indeed represents a very fast-changing face of naval warfare, pushed by the rapid development of autonomous systems and strategic collaborations among world powers. Recent developments in modern naval operations have indeed pointed very strongly toward significant involvement by uncrewed surface vessels and next-generation autonomous technologies.
Innovations have been developed during this period, and at the frontline of most of these innovations is NSWC PCD. Recently, the technical capability of the division was front and center during BALTOPS 24, where NSWC PCD showcased its commitment to developing, delivering, and sustaining cutting-edge warfighting capabilities. This commitment was further underlined when eight personnel at NSWC PCD received the NAVSEA Excellence Awards acknowledgment of contributions toward developing better naval capabilities.
Meanwhile, the USV market is growing explosively worldwide. Estimates are that this market will reach $2.5 billion by 2034. The recent leaps in uncrewed maritime technology and changing defense strategies tilt the balance towards such growth. Indeed, this Ukrainian campaign against the Russian Black Sea Fleet underlined the role of USVs in the modern concept of sea battles. The conflict drew attention to unmanned maritime technology capabilities, including the Magura V5; because of this, naval thinking and operations continue to evolve, with more investments from around the world in USVs.
Fox Walker, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, emphasized that the growth of the USV market highlights the evolving nature of naval warfare. “The success of the Magura V5 and the retreat of the Russian Black Sea Fleet highlight the growing role of unmanned vehicles in the future of warfare,” Walker stated.
The U.S. Navy is also striving toward autonomous undersea systems to ensure superiority in this domain. During the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Navy Summit, naval experts talk about the Navy’s efforts concerning autonomy: talking about the present state of autonomy development, emerging technological opportunities, and international efforts that complement or compete with the U.S. initiatives.
That these activities are important, said Vice Admiral, retired Frank Pandolfe, who moderated the panel discussion, came along with a no-nonsense career in naval operations and strategic planning, saying this is no time to rest on one’s laurels; a continuous race for innovation and collaboration.
Recently, OUSD(R&E) conducted a demonstration of next-generation autonomous systems designed to enhance naval operation. The event featured new and emerging technologies in preparation for future collaboration between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia under the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities line-of-effort.
Among the key objectives was the testing of the Autonomy Baseline, a suite of government-owned software using the Navy’s Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture standard interfaces. The rapid integration of ABL technology onto USV platforms demonstrated simultaneous command of more than 80 percent of the USV platforms tested, furthering a capability that could prove to be an effective combat multiplier for maritime forces.
The exercise also tested several solutions that allowed seamless communication among autonomous systems, traditional naval assets, and command centers. Capabilities such as Multi-domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications, or MUSIC, are just some of the few focused on enabling domains to improve the operational pace, speed of decision-making, and overall mission performance.
Representative platforms and technologies from those that are successfully tested will be forwarded to Australia for follow-on experiments under the AUKUS Maritime Big Play. These will be a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises that seek to promote capability development, enhance interoperability, and raise the level of complexity and size of autonomous systems in the maritime domain.
It will be autonomous systems and strategic partnerships that will be the heavy horses for shaping the future of naval warfare, in ways in which nations adapt to the changing demands of maritime defense impelled by technological advances and strategic imperatives.