UK hunts for uncrewed surface and subsurface vessel to support future commando operations
Subsea Craft's VICTA diver delivery unit meets many of the requirements set out in the UK MoD's contract notice. (Photo: Subsea Craft)
The UK Royal Marine Commando Force requires the development of a multi-payload, low-signature, long-endurance uncrewed surface and subsurface vessel (USSV).
The USSV would be able to covertly complete surface and subsurface missions and operate completely autonomously whilst integrating with the Naval Strike Network.
The Naval Strike Network is the RN’s future digital backbone, integrating aspects of a more distributed fleet.
According to a 10 September contract summary, the desired highly flexible vessel should be capable of deploying sensors, effectors, and strike capabilities while surfaced and submerged.
The USSV would also be used for reconnaissance of operating areas for future Royal
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
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
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.
-
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.