Transforming Naval Operations with AI

Aerospace and Defense Review | Thursday, November 30, 2023

 AI in the Navy enhances situational awareness, improves maintenance practices, enables autonomous systems, and provides invaluable decision support.

FREMONT, CA: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changing tool in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, especially in the defense sector. Integrating AI with Navy technology is important in enhancing operational capabilities, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of naval forces. Its ship systems and infrastructure incorporate artificial intelligence due to the increasing reliability of computer automation. Advanced algorithms enable real-time analysis of previously segmented data streams on ships, drones, aircraft, and submarines. AI allows command and control systems to rapidly identify crucial moments within hours or days of surveillance data, enhancing efficiency and autonomous task performance.

One of the advantages of AI integration in Navy technology is the augmentation of situational awareness. Naval operations often occur in complex and dynamic environments. AI-driven systems can process vast amounts of data from various sensors, satellites, and unmanned platforms to provide real-time, comprehensive situational awareness. This allows naval commanders to make informed decisions quickly, leading to improved mission success and safety. AI's utility relies on the size and quality of its expanding database, yet its conclusions are precise. For instance, just two seconds of drone video can identify a target among hours of surveillance footage. AI reduces procedural burdens on humans and accelerates decision-making processes.

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AI-driven predictive maintenance systems can revolutionize naval operations by reducing downtime and maintenance costs. These systems analyze data from onboard sensors and historical maintenance records to predict when equipment or systems are likely to fail. By addressing issues before they become critical, AI helps maintain operational readiness and extends the lifespan of naval assets. Navy industry partners foresee AI progressively integrating into more ships, units, and weapons as processing speeds increase and algorithms become more reliable. This approach is seen in developing Integrated Power and Energy Systems (IPES), a ship-integrated energy management, distribution, and storage technology. AI-generated power optimization and electric plant controls are part of this technology, organizing and storing energy sources to optimize distribution across ship assets like lasers, sensors, radar, and weapons. AI-enabled computing streamlines the organization of incoming metrics and sensor data, facilitating real-time management of complex electrical architectures. Future capabilities reliant on AI are likely to emerge in electric plant controls. AI plays a role in the development of autonomous naval systems. Unmanned surface vessels (USVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with AI capabilities can perform various tasks, including reconnaissance, surveillance, mine countermeasures, and logistics support. These autonomous systems reduce the risk to human personnel and extend the reach and persistence of naval operations. AI algorithms enable precision targeting by analyzing multiple factors, such as target characteristics, environmental conditions, and potential collateral damage. This ensures that naval forces can accurately engage while minimizing the risk to civilians and friendly forces. AI-enhanced targeting systems improve mission effectiveness and reduce the chances of unintended consequences.

Navies can future-proof their capabilities and stay ahead of evolving threats by embracing AI integration early. This proactive approach ensures that naval forces remain agile, adaptable, and effective in an ever-changing maritime environment.

 

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