As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
MBDA’s DragonFire laser-directed energy weapon system will be integrated onto the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers. (Photo: Crown copyright)
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
Aerial drone models often receive more publicity, but naval drones in the uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) arena are a growing defence market segment.
Multiple navies have invested in their own naval drone acquisitions, and the technologies involved in both drone categories have been successfully tested on the battlefield.
“[USVs and UUVs are] useful for surveillance, militarily relevant oceanography and other purposes,” Dr Shanshan Mei, a political scientist at the US-based RAND Corporation think tank, explained to Shephard.
“Both the Ukrainians and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been using explosive USVs for years. Ukraine has used explosive
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 weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits]()
US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits
A Pentagon push to procure warships from Japanese and South Korean shipyards could reshape allied naval industrial strategy, but critics warn the approach risks hollowing out the domestic base Washington is seeking to restore.
-
![Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA]()
Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA
The accelerated delivery of the final Flight IIA destroyer, USS Patrick Gallagher, showcases the payoff of years of workforce investment and process reform at Bath Iron Works, with the lessons feeding into Flight III production.
-
![Sealift shortfalls set to drive opportunities across NATO navies]()
Sealift shortfalls set to drive opportunities across NATO navies
A new Council on Geostrategy primer warns that NATO cannot defend its own supply lines. As the alliance faces a sealift and logistics escort deficit, a wave of unawarded procurement is beginning to take shape.
-
![AUKUS advance on UUVs contrasts with Virginia-class compromise]()
AUKUS advance on UUVs contrasts with Virginia-class compromise
The AUKUS partnership is accelerating uncrewed undersea capability while its submarine arm inches forward, and Australia’s decision to settle for three in-service Virginia-class boats raises questions about industrial risk, dependency and whether Pillar II may deliver meaningful capability long before Pillar I can.
-
![Peru partnership may serve as a template for South Korean naval exports into South America]()
Peru partnership may serve as a template for South Korean naval exports into South America
With a growing pipeline of naval modernisation programmes in South America, South Korean companies could be set to expand their presence in the region as recent contract wins highlight growing collaboration.
