unmanned systems Archives

A VBAT unmanned aerial system takes off from the flight deck of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) during counter-small UAS training in the Pacific Ocean, April 4, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez)

Military leaders want a more integrated, joint approach to drone dominance

The military’s adoption of drones and counter-drone tech has been historically fragmented, with each service pursuing its own strategies.

4 days ago By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrives to testify before the House Armed Services Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on April 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. Hegseth testified on the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Hegseth: Autonomous warfare sub-unified command coming soon

Pete Hegseth testified Wednesday at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Defense Department’s fiscal 2027 budget request.

5 days ago By Jon Harper

The Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray conducts its initial flight April 25 at Boeing’s facility at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Ill. The aircraft completed a controlled test flight to evaluate basic handling and performance in preparation for future carrier-based operations. (Photo courtesy of Boeing)

Navy conducts first test flight of MQ-25 tanker drone

Once fielded, the Boeing-made MQ-25 Stingray will be the Navy's first operational aircraft carrier-based drone.

Apr 27, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

U.S. East coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct dive operations to increase maritime lethality during training off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, Feb. 18, 2025. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s most lethal maritime special operation forces to ensure the United States will deter and win wars. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Katie Cox)

SOCOM highlights 6 focus areas for naval capabilities modernization

Officials released a source-sought notice for the ANCHOR initiative.

Apr 27, 2026 By Jon Harper

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations. (U.S. Central Command Photo)

U.S. prioritizes mine-clearing ops after Trump makes ‘shoot and kill’ warning to Iran

Defense and military officials supplied updates on Operation Epic Fury amid the fragile ceasefire and Middle East maritime blockade.

Apr 24, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec, 6, 2024) – An IVER4 900 autonomous-underwater vehicle (AUV) is deployed during the Australia, United Kingdom and U.S. (AUKUS) Pillar II Subsea and Seabed Warfare Event Two/Integrated Battle Problem 25.1. During the event, U.S. Navy, Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy personnel launched, tested and provided demonstrations for several unmanned underwater vehicles, to include the Mission Specialist Defender Mark IV remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) and the IVER4 900 autonomous-underwater vehicle. (Image produced utilizing a screen capture from video.) (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin E. Yarborough)

DARPA shares ‘Deep Thoughts’ solicitation for autonomous underwater drones

The program is focused on several technical areas, including AUV designs.

Apr 24, 2026 By Jon Harper

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, talks to flight crew during a flight to Aeronaval Base Cristóbal Colón, March 31, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trey Woodard)

Southcom creates new Autonomous Warfare Command to build up its drone prowess

A spokesperson for Southcom said the new SAWC will “employ autonomous, semi-autonomous, and unmanned platforms.”

Apr 22, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (Feb. 5, 2024) The first four Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARCs) are delivered to Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

Navy PAE for robotic and autonomous systems preparing to release marketplace roadmap

The Navy has been pondering the right mix of GOGO and COCO platforms for the portfolio.

Apr 22, 2026 By Jon Harper

Team members from the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, and Water Mapping experts get underway for advanced drone training with the USCG Cutter Blackfin, off the Santa Barbara coast, July 25, 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard B. Uranga).

Coast Guard adopts ‘whole new mission’ for drone defense at high-security events

“Most of the interest is domestic," an official said. "It is the World Cup sites, it is domestically-hosted events that are nationally significant security events.”

Apr 21, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

Seahawk, a Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) prototype, departs Naval Base Point Loma, California, Aug. 6, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn)

Navy considers new Warfighting Development Center for robotic and autonomous systems

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle supplied modernization updates at the Navy League’s Sea Air Space convention.

Apr 20, 2026 By Brandi Vincent