Demonstrations test the case for naval resupply UAS
Blue Water UAS technology demonstration on USS Gerald R. Ford in January 2021. (Photo: Skyways)
The Blue Water UAS could be on track to become a USN programme of record.
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is optimistic that the Blue Water naval logistics UAS will become a programme of record with the USN, following successful technology demonstrations in recent months.
In February 2021, a few days later than scheduled, the Blue Water system was flight tested by UX-24 (the UAS test and evaluation unit within NAVAIR). The UAV — carrying a payload of logistics equipment — landed on the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.
More recently, in July, the Blue Water system successfully carried out a two-week experiment flying between the flight decks of a supply ship (
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
![New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace]()
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
