The Navy plans to establish a second unmanned surface drone squadron in May at the West 2024 conference in San Diego. Adm. Samuel Paparo stated that this will be a uniformed capability and not contractor-owned and contractor-operated. Unmanned Surface Vessel Division 1 was created in 2022 and the Navy will launch Integrated Battle Problem 24.1 in March.
Prior exercises involved drones traveling 50,000 miles and experiments with SM-6 missile launchers on large surface drones. Paparo mentioned that the Navy’s unmanned work in various fleet commands are pushing toward honing unmanned and autonomous operations. A primary goal is to avoid risking sailor lives by sending machines to accomplish tasks in dangerous situations.
Paparo stressed the need for operational security, stating “If I’m doing my job, you won’t be knowing about it.” He also warned of significant shifts in state behaviors, particularly from China, that pose challenges to global security and freedom.
Geoff is the editor of Navy Times and welcomes tips at [email protected].
