The Rise of Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems: Implications for Naval Operations

Aerospace and Defense Review | Wednesday, June 14, 2023

The rise of uncrewed and autonomous systems presents new possibilities and challenges for naval operations.

FREMONT, CA: Autonomous technology is not new in naval operations. Navies have employed technologies like combat systems and close-in weapons systems (CIWS) with significant autonomy for decades. Over the years, trials with smaller uncrewed platforms have showcased remarkable progress in autonomy and completing complex tasks without human intervention. As a result, there has been rapid growth in the deployment of uncrewed systems, shifting away from simple remote control toward greater autonomy. This evolution has led to a growing belief that robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) will play a crucial role in future naval capabilities. Consequently, uncrewed and autonomous systems have become a focal point in naval discussions about future operations.

Uncrewed subsystems such as uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now regularly utilized on warships worldwide. Efforts have also been directed toward incorporating smaller uncrewed marine vehicles, particularly in the field of mine countermeasures (MCM). Moreover, there is an increasing interest in larger and more complex platforms with higher levels of autonomy. The development of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) that can be deployed from the pier represents a significant advancement in this direction. The motivations behind the emphasis on uncrewed platforms may vary among navies, but two common themes emerge. Firstly, there is a desire to remove humans from tasks considered "dull, dirty, and dangerous." Secondly, there is a need to increase platform numbers or mass within resource-constrained scenarios.

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The US Navy (USN) has developed a clear and ambitious conceptualization of the role USVs are expected to play in future naval operations. The USN has presented plans to Congress, highlighting the potential of USVs to provide affordable, high-endurance ships capable of accommodating various payloads for unmanned missions. This aligns with the USN's Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept, which aims to shift from a concentration of capability in a few expensive and vulnerable platforms to dispersing it across a larger number of distributed assets. DMO promotes a network-based approach where different platforms perform specific functions such as sensing, fire control, and missile launch, emphasizing the interconnectivity of assets. At the core of the USN's proposals is the large uncrewed surface vehicle (LUSV), designed to serve as a cost-effective arsenal ship with numerous vertical launch system (VLS) tubes.

With technological advancements and growing autonomy, navies increasingly deploy uncrewed platforms to optimize mission effectiveness and resource utilization. The USN's vision of leveraging USVs within the Distributed Maritime Operations framework exemplifies these systems' transformative potential. However, it is vital to thoroughly examine the implications of this shift on the full spectrum of naval tasks and consider how the integration of remote and autonomous systems aligns with the strategic goals of individual navies. By carefully evaluating the impact on diplomatic, constabulary, and military functions, navies can adapt their doctrines, operational concepts, and resource allocation to maximize the benefits of uncrewed and autonomous technologies while effectively addressing potential challenges.

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