US Navy seeks the best combinations of crewed vessels with commercial UAVs and USVs
A Saildrone Voyager fleet. (Photo: Saildrone)
The service will conduct Operation Southern Spear to identify the most appropriate manned/unmanned formations for domain awareness and counternarcotics operations.
Commercial UAVs and USVs will be deployed alongside crewed vessels later this month in the US Southern Command Area of Responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR) and at US 4th Fleet Headquarters at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, as part of the US Navy Operation Southern Spear.
The effort is intended to support the branch in determining the doctrine and tactics for manned/unmanned formations in coordinated maritime domain awareness missions and counternarcotics operations.
Extending through Summer 2025, the campaign will involve US Coast Guard cutters and long-dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) robotic air capabilities.
An
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms]()
Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms
Havelsan, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will collaborate to develop and integrate a range of maritime solutions with a view to secure a first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of this year.
-
![Could Asia and the Middle East offer growth opportunities for Italy’s Fincantieri?]()
Could Asia and the Middle East offer growth opportunities for Italy’s Fincantieri?
Export campaigns for Fincantieri’s submarines and frigates are central to the company’s ambitions as billions of dollars in unawarded contracts come into focus.
-
![US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter ramp-up signifies turning point in Polar operations]()
US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter ramp-up signifies turning point in Polar operations
The USCG recently announced the award of a contract to Davie Defense for the supply of five ASCs, marking a major step in the acquisition programme as the US grows its presence in the Arctic.
-
![UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy]()
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
