US Navy commits to uncrewed surface vessel future, but plans are far from firm
The LUSV Ranger transits the Pacific Ocean to participate in Exercise RIMPAC 2022. (Photo: USN)
The US Navy is committing $2.2 billion in funding to uncrewed surface vessel (USV) programmes but the future of the Medium USV class remains uncertain.
The USN is pressing ahead with plans to develop large USVs armed with long-range missiles after recently completing a Congressionally mandated review of alternatives, committing $2.2 billion of near-term spending for this this new ship class.
Earlier this summer, the navy completed an analysis of alternatives required by law that helped refine the requirement but also effectively slowed the project.
'The navy completed the Offensive Surface Fires Analysis of Alternatives on June 10, 2022, analysing multiple modified and new naval and commercial vessel designs,' USN spokesperson Lt Katie Diener told Shephard. 'The navy is working closely with industry partners
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Japan commissions its second Taigei-class submarine]()
Japan commissions its second Taigei-class submarine
Japan has inducted its second Taigei-class submarine, amidst plans to boost counterstrike capabilities with new, longer-range missiles.
-
![Second Brazilian Riachuelo-class submarine conducts pre-service testing]()
Second Brazilian Riachuelo-class submarine conducts pre-service testing
The second of four PROSUB conventional attack submarines has completed diving trials ahead of service entry with the Brazilian Navy later this year.
