As pressure rises on the U.S. Navy to enhance its shipbuilding capacity, the Pentagon has issued a solicitation for a new type of unmanned undersea vessel known as the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform (CAMP). This initiative is aimed at maximizing operational effectiveness in contested environments, as detailed in a solicitation released by the Defense Innovation Unit.
The CAMP is designed to elevate the Navy’s capabilities in undersea warfare. It is expected to maneuver in GPS-denied environments, operate at ranges greater than 1,000 nautical miles, and dive to depths of over 200 meters. One of its mission profiles includes the ability to drop various payloads to the sea floor.
The integration of AI technology into U.S. shipbuilding is part of a broader initiative to revitalize an industry that has been described by the Government Accountability Office as being in a “perpetual state of triage.” The U.S. shipbuilding sector has been lagging behind China, raising concerns about the Navy’s capability to replace disabled or sunken ships in a near-peer combat scenario. As part of its long-term strategy, the Navy intends to increase its battle force ships from 296 to 381 over the next three decades.
The CAMP initiative is anticipated to be cost-effective and to minimize surface expression and duration. It is also required to be designed for transport, deployment, and recovery using commonly available commercial freight and transport equipment.
Recent movements in the private industry show a growing interest in autonomous shipbuilding to meet the rising demand. For example, HavocAI has recently announced the forthcoming launch of a 38-foot unmanned vessel named the Seahound.
Furthermore, Saronic Technologies, an autonomous vessel startup, has acquired Gulf Craft, a Louisiana-based shipbuilder, and aims to create over 500 jobs in the next three to four years as it works on expanding autonomous vessel capabilities. Saronic also introduced the “Marauder,” a 150-foot autonomous surface vessel capable of traveling up to 3,500 nautical miles or loitering for over 30 days.
In February, Saronic raised $600 million to further its ambition of building Port Alpha, a dedicated shipyard for autonomous vessels. Additionally, in March, the company announced a partnership with Palantir Technologies to develop advanced vessel software capabilities.
House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, emphasized the importance of revitalizing the domestic industrial base to strengthen supply chains and counter foreign competition, like that from China. This initiative, according to Johnson, is crucial for national security.
About Zita Ballinger Fletcher: Zita Ballinger Fletcher has held roles such as editor of Military History Quarterly and Vietnam magazines and previously served as the historian for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. She possesses a Master’s degree with distinction in military history.
