NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
A drone boat navigates in the harbour of the Den Helder Naval Base in the Netherlands during Exercise Bold Machina 25. (Photo: NATO)
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
NATO ran three naval exercises simultaneously this year: REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems), Dynamic Messenger and BOMA (Bold Machina), with the latter designed to challenge assumptions around acquisition, ownership and adaptability.
Although held in different locations — Troia, Portugal and Den Helder, Netherlands — they were designed as interconnected events, testing uncrewed systems across conventional fleets and special forces under a single data and experimentation framework.
Captain Kurt Mueller, maritime department director at Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM), said that while BOMA aligned with the themes of REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger, it was
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration]()
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
-
![US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
-
![RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity]()
RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
-
![What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement]()
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
