As the technology matures, navies must thoroughly assess how uncrewed vessels fit into their operations to maximize their benefits and ensure the seamless integration of these systems into their diverse missions.
FREMONT, CA: The increasing prominence of uncrewed vessels, also known as autonomous systems, in naval capability has become a subject of great interest for navies worldwide. Adopting these technologies is a potential solution to budgetary and personnel challenges faced by navies, leading to a shift towards larger uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). While there have been extensive reports on the technical and legal challenges posed by uncrewed vessels, little attention has been given to the broader impact of these systems on the full spectrum of naval functions.
Navies have been familiar with autonomous technology for some time, with systems like the Aegis combat system and close-in weapons systems (CIWS) being in service for decades. Over the years, trials with smaller uncrewed platforms have demonstrated significant advancements in autonomy and the completion of complex tasks without human intervention. Some navies have also explored automating core systems on crewed vessels to reduce onboard crew while enhancing efficiency. In response to this trend, there has been a rapid increase in the popularity of uncrewed systems and a shift towards greater autonomy rather than simple remote control.
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Recently, there has been a turning point where many believe that robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) have matured enough to play a vital role in future warfighting capabilities. Uncrewed and autonomous systems are now at the forefront of naval thinking regarding future operations. Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are regularly deployed on warships globally, and there is a growing effort to introduce smaller uncrewed marine vehicles for mine countermeasures. Beyond this, there is increasing interest in larger and more complex platforms with greater autonomy, such as uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) designed to deploy from piers. The motivations for this emphasis on uncrewed platforms vary across different navies, but common themes include reducing human involvement in dangerous tasks and increasing platform numbers under resource constraints.
These uncrewed platforms, especially USVs, have been the subject of extensive discussions in scholarly and practitioner circles. Debates have centered on issues like the legal status of USVs, technical challenges in development, and the maturity of the technology for operational use. This shift towards larger USVs has not been fully explored in terms of how it might affect the capability of navies to carry out a broader range of missions, which is a crucial factor.
Adopting uncrewed vessels and autonomous systems in naval operations poses opportunities and challenges. While these technologies can enhance efficiency, reduce human risk in dangerous tasks, and increase platform numbers, their integration into naval functions requires careful consideration. As technology continues to advance, navies must carefully assess the impact of these systems on their diverse missions and ensure that they are effectively integrated to complement existing capabilities. This thorough evaluation is essential to maximize the potential benefits of uncrewed vessels while maintaining the ability to perform diplomatic, constabulary, and military functions in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.
