Challenges and opportunities abound for US in autonomy research
Artist’s impression of a Manta Ray UUV under construction by Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group. (Photo: DARPA)
During Sea Air Space 2022, the conference session on “Unmanned Advancements in Warfighting” provided an opportunity for speakers to give an overview of US unmanned programmes and discuss the challenges remaining to be addressed.
DARPA already has a number of unmanned programmes in place to explore the possibilities that manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) will offer to the warfighters of tomorrow in all domains.
For underwater missions, DARPA developed its Hunter XL UUV as well as underwater gliders. The latter are built with a time link to function as communication relays while they are out at sea for long periods of time.
DARPA
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.