Naval BMD could lose the human touch
The US is exploring a new platform for ballistic missile defence (BMD), after the Pentagon floated the idea of using unmanned surface ships.
This concept — if adopted — could one day yield a flotilla of USVs packed with interceptors to continuously patrol defended areas, freeing up destroyers to conduct other operations.
The concept is at a nascent stage but the technology to support the mission is maturing.
Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite advanced the idea in May, in a written response to questions submitted ahead of his nomination hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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