US Navy moves quickly with uncrewed vessels and industry follows
Ocean Aero’s Triton AUSV is being further developed for a fourth iteration. (Photo: Ocean Aero)
The US Navy (USN) is evolving into a hybrid fleet with uncrewed systems supporting crewed vessels and companies working to provide new solutions. In the case of Ocean Aero, its Triton uncrewed surface vessel can also be used underwater.
The USN has outlined its plans for a hybrid fleet and is in the midst of directives, exercises and trials to make this scenario a reality as industry rows in behind the effort.
One of these companies is Mississippi-based Ocean Aero with its Triton Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV). This vessel is currently at Technology Readiness Level-7 (TRL-7) and is in trials with the USN.
Triton aims to inform the USN about existing capabilities as the force works to develop a hybrid fleet composed of crewed and uncrewed surface and underwater platforms.
Michael Clarke, company VP for national strategy,
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
-
![Could the USCG icebreaker requirement open the door for more inland shipbuilding?]()
Could the USCG icebreaker requirement open the door for more inland shipbuilding?
The formation of a Great Lakes shipbuilding alliance could prompt a shift in how the US approaches naval and coast guard construction. But can distributed inland shipyards ease the country’s shipbuilding capacity?
-
![US Navy bets on radio frequency to increase vessel protection against aerial threats]()
US Navy bets on radio frequency to increase vessel protection against aerial threats
A Northrop Grumman RF-based defensive capability will equip USN destroyers and aircraft carriers to enhance their survivability against missile and drone attacks.
-
![Naval Group’s Barracuda bid could deepen Franco-Greek naval alignment]()
Naval Group’s Barracuda bid could deepen Franco-Greek naval alignment
As the Hellenic Navy looks to replace its ageing submarines with a next-generation fleet, other likely contenders for the programme include TKMS, Saab, Fincantieri, Navantia and Hanwha Ocean.
-
![US Navy budget seeks 34 ships on yesterday’s industrial base]()
US Navy budget seeks 34 ships on yesterday’s industrial base
The 2027 budget demands 34 new vessels, but ageing yards and backlogs raise questions about whether American shipbuilding can deliver.
-
![Has France quietly become Europe’s real naval power?]()
Has France quietly become Europe’s real naval power?
The Marine nationale’s consistent deployments, healthy shipbuilding drumbeat and growing export portfolio are forcing a reassessment of where European naval capability now resides.
