The growing interest in USVs among naval forces underscores their potential advantages regarding reduced risk, cost, and persistent presence.
FREMONT, CA: Naval forces worldwide increasingly recognize the advantages of acquiring uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) in their fleets. These autonomous vessels offer reduced risk, persistent presence, and potentially lower costs than crewed counterparts, making them an appealing option for enhancing national security. However, naval forces must carefully consider the unique operational challenges associated with USVs before embarking on large-scale acquisition. This article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to fully exploit the benefits of USVs and avoid costly acquisition decisions based on an inadequate understanding of their effective employment.
To effectively integrate USVs into naval operations, it is crucial to address the operational challenges they present. These challenges include legal considerations, speed limitations, vulnerability to interference by adversaries, and sustainment and maintenance. By thoroughly examining these factors, naval forces can make informed decisions and develop a CONOPS that optimizes the employment of USVs.
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USVs encompass various sizes and functions, from small intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to larger corvette-sized vessels for offensive and defensive operations. The absence of crewing requirements, potential cost savings, and their ability to cover vast distances and maintain a persistent presence make USVs attractive. However, a well-developed CONOPS is necessary to address the challenges associated with surface capabilities and maximize their asymmetric advantages.
Unlike uncrewed aerial vehicles, USVs often operate at speeds that render them vulnerable to interference by adversaries. The CONOPS should account for these vulnerabilities and determine appropriate protection measures. This may involve designing USVs with a minimum speed requirement or considering their attributable nature, which would necessitate acquisition at scale and low cost. Protection through crewed capabilities may negate the benefits of reduced crewing and cost, making careful consideration of protection strategies essential.
As the use of USVs proliferates, they become attractive targets for interference. When developing the CONOPS, two key factors should be considered. First, if USVs are attainable, they should be acquired and employed at a low cost and scale to avoid the need for additional assets for protection. Second, suppose protection through crewed capabilities could be more practical. In that case, USVs must either possess self-defense capabilities (subject to legal and technological challenges) or operate in areas with friendly air and sea control. This evaluation will influence their effectiveness in different roles, such as fleet logistics, sustainment, ISR, or offensive operations during the conflict.
Developing a comprehensive and effective CONOPS for USVs must address the unique factors associated with surface capabilities. By addressing these challenges early on, military leaders can ensure the successful integration of USVs into naval operations, thereby leveraging their full potential in modern naval warfare.
A comprehensive CONOPS is critical to effectively employ USVs and avoid costly acquisition decisions driven by a lack of understanding. By considering legal considerations, speed limitations, protection requirements, and their attributable nature, naval forces can harness the benefits of USVs while mitigating operational challenges. Through a well-designed CONOPS, USVs can become valuable assets in enhancing naval capabilities and maintaining a competitive edge in modern naval warfare.
