Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?
Retrofitted autonomy can turn any vessel into an autonomous vessel. (Image: Saab)
Autonomous vessels can reduce risk to the lives of naval personnel, but could retrofitting be a faster, cheaper option?
In late 2024, retro-active autonomy, a new application of existing technology, was launched in both the commercial and the naval world.
Retro-active autonomy is a process in which existing vessels, as crewed by active personnel, could be fitted with a technological capability that would turn them into autonomous vessels.
Those vessels could then be either remotely piloted from a safe distance away, or programmed with objectives and left to achieve them on full autonomy, avoiding obstacles and potential threat vessels along the way.
Among the most prominent exponents of the technology in late 2024 was Saab, which launched its Autonomous
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
-
![Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?]()
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.
-
![Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes]()
Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes
With its B-26 USV in full-rate production, Blue Ops is seeking to turn overseas interest into orders through a combination of lower operating costs, UAV integration and local manufacturing.
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
