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unmanned surface vessel

A Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel operates in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 29, during Digital Horizon 2022. The three-week unmanned and artificial intelligence integration event involves employing new platforms in the region for the first time. (U.S. photo by Sgt. Brandon Murphy)

Deploying contractor-owned robotic vessels could be a fruitful long-term option for the Navy, Secretary Del Toro says

During an interview with DefenseScoop, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said contractor-owned drones could help the sea service overcome acquisition challenges and keep pace with technological change.
Various unmanned systems sit on display in Manama, Bahrain, Nov. 19, prior to exercise Digital Horizon 2022. The three-week unmanned and artificial intelligence integration event, beginning Nov. 23, will involve employing new platforms in the region for the first time. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Murphy)

Navy looking to add vendors to $982M IDIQ contract vehicle for unmanned systems tech

The Navy released an RFI to gauge companies’ interest in pursuing access to the IDIQ-MAC pool of awardees for the Unmanned Surface Vehicle/Vessel Family of Systems.
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Members from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 prepare the MK 18 MOD 2 Kingfish to be deployed during Exercise Noble Vanguard. The Kingfish is an unmanned underwater vehicle with the sonar capabilities to scan the ocean floor for potential mines. Noble Vanguard serves as an enabler to reinforce tactics and techniques of different mission sets that contribute to regional stability. (U.S. Navy Photo by Ensign James French)

Navy issues RFI for unmanned ‘mother ship’ that could deploy other drones

The Navy is exploring a Attritable UxS Mother Ship concept as it looks for a way to cost-effectively deliver large numbers of unmanned systems, or UxS, to…
A Seahawk medium displacement unmanned surface vessel participates in U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21, April 21. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe)

Navy working to prevent unmanned shipbuilders from monopolizing software integration

The sea service is also keeping an eye on industry to try to prevent shipbuilders from having too much influence over the software and AI integration market…
The medium displacement unmanned surface vessels Seahawk, front, and Sea Hunter launch for the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem 21 (UxS IBP 21), April 20. UxS IBP 21 integrates manned and unmanned capabilities into operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Gooley)

Navy grappling with the future of its unmanned fleet

The Navy's new shipbuilding plan and statements by senior officials indicate that the future of the unmanned fleet remains murky.
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