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
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![Can Portugal solve NATO’s uncrewed systems development challenge?]()
Can Portugal solve NATO’s uncrewed systems development challenge?
NATO has spent more than a decade building one of the world’s most sophisticated maritime uncrewed experimentation ecosystems, but still lacks a way to translate this testing into alliance-wide operational capability. Portugal now believes it has the answer.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
