A MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel, attached to U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59, sails in the Arabian Gulf, Oct. 26, 2023 (Photo: Jacob Vernier / U.S. Navy)
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
In the rapidly evolving landscape of naval warfare, the U.S. Navy’s ambitions to expand its fleet of unmanned sea drones face significant hurdles due to entrenched priorities favoring large shipbuilding projects, according to officials and industry executives. This challenge comes as sea drones demonstrate their lethal effectiveness, showcased by recent tactics employed in conflict zones like the Black Sea and the Red Sea.
In the Black Sea, Ukraine has effectively utilized remote-controlled speed boats armed with explosives to target Russian frigates and minesweepers since late 2022. Meanwhile, Yemeni-backed Houthi rebels have attempted similar tactics in the Red Sea against commercial shipping, albeit with less success.
The Pentagon has taken note of these developments and is integrating lessons learned from these conflicts into its strategies to counter China’s expanding naval presence in the Pacific. Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon highlighted this shift, indicating a shift in focus towards smaller, more agile drones to match emerging threats.
However, despite this public commitment, the U.S. Navy has faced internal resistance to embracing sea drones as a fundamental component of its fleet. Interviews with Navy officers, Pentagon officials, and industry executives reveal a history of hesitancy and a budget process that prioritizes traditional shipbuilding endeavors.
According to Philipp Stratmann, CEO of Ocean Power Technologies, the primary impediment lies in the Department of Defense’s (DoD) budget process, which heavily favors legacy defense contractors engaged in big ship and submarine projects. Stratmann suggested that entrenched interests within the military-industrial complex often dictate budget allocations and contracting decisions.
In response to these concerns, a Navy spokesperson emphasized that procurement decisions are based on fleet demand signals received from operational commanders. The Navy currently allocates a relatively small budget for small and medium-sized underwater sea drones, which pales in comparison to the broader Navy procurement budget proposed by President Joe Biden’s administration.
One of the key challenges highlighted by Navy sources is the lack of trained personnel to operate and analyze data from sea drones effectively. This shortage underscores the broader organizational and operational adjustments required to fully integrate unmanned systems into naval operations.
Despite these obstacles, the Pentagon has launched initiatives like the Replicator program, aimed at accelerating the deployment of affordable air and sea drones to counter China’s military buildup. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks unveiled this initiative in August, signaling a renewed commitment to prioritize innovative and agile technologies.
Industry leaders like Duane Fotheringham from Huntington Ingalls Industries acknowledge the Pentagon’s intent to expedite drone deployment but emphasize the necessity for sustained long-term funding to drive innovation and production.
Sea drones offer a cost-effective means to expand naval capabilities, particularly in areas like maritime surveillance, minehunting, and protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Bryan Clark, an advisor to the Navy, underscored the potential for sea drones to complement crewed assets and enhance operational flexibility in contested environments.
While challenges persist, companies like Saildrone and Ocean Aero are making strides in delivering operational sea drones tailored for military applications. Saildrone, in particular, has circumvented traditional procurement challenges by offering its services through operating expenses rather than direct procurement.
The evolution of sea drones represents a critical transformation in naval warfare, requiring sustained investment, organizational adaptation, and strategic alignment to harness their full potential. As geopolitical tensions intensify, the imperative to capitalize on emerging technologies like sea drones becomes increasingly urgent to maintain naval superiority and adapt to evolving threats.