Unmanned systems to get more attention in next US Navy force study
The next version of the US Navy’s force structure assessment (FSA) should give a clearer picture of how unmanned systems will fit into the service’s future fleet, according to its second-ranking civilian.
While the 2016 FSA focused on expanding the fleet to 355 ships, up from fewer than 290 today, the new FSA will address a ‘355-plus’ navy, with the ‘plus’ referring to potential enhancements, such as ‘a bigger integration of unmanned vehicles, sensors [and] increased lethality,’ navy undersecretary Thomas Modly said on 4 October.
Unmanned systems are ‘a huge priority for the Navy,’ Modly told the Defense Writers Group
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027]()
US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
-
![Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration]()
Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration
Enabling Aegis-equipped vessels to launch PAC-3 MSE interceptors will give the USN more options to engage highly manoeuvrable hypersonic missiles – including the ones China has been developing.
-
![Italy’s U212 Near Future Submarine production builds pace as upgrade plans mature]()
Italy’s U212 Near Future Submarine production builds pace as upgrade plans mature
Andrea Simone Pinna, OCCAR-EA combat system officer for the U212 NFS programme, outlined production progress, new capabilities and plans for the Italian Navy’s next-generation conventional submarine.
