USV Archives

The unmanned surface vessel (USV) Ranger from Unmanned Surface Vessel Division One (USVDIV-1) returns to its homeport, Naval Base Ventura County, in Port Hueneme, California, concluding Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.2, Jan. 15, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Electronics Technician 2nd Class Gavin McKenna)

Navy to brief industry on plans for new robotic ship program

The Navy is getting ready to lay out the service’s vision, objectives, program schedule and technical requirements for a Future USV program.

4 days ago By Jon Harper

Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby participates in a fireside chat with U.S. Army Gen. (Ret.) Curtis M. Scaparrotti during the Sea-Air-Space 2025 maritime exposition at the Gaylord National Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland, April 7, 2025. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vanessa White/Released)

How the Navy’s vision to enhance readiness and lethality by 2027 hinges on technology

Adm. James Kilby briefed a small group of reporters on some of the sea service’s associated near-term modernization efforts.

Apr 7, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

NAVAL BASE CORONADO (May 15, 2024) – Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) operate remotely in San Diego Bay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)

Navy to establish USVRON 7, adding another robotic ship squadron to the force

The sea service is getting ready to stand up Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 7 in May.

Jan 30, 2025 By Jon Harper

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 ramping up production of autonomous GARC vessels

The Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft are built by Maritime Applied Physics Corp.

Jan 17, 2025 By Jon Harper

Nov. 5, 2024 — An unmanned surface vessel, equipped with an aerial missile system, sails to its position for launch during exercise Digital Talon 3.0 in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Photo by Spc. Karla Guerrero)

Navy plying new tactics while pairing kamikaze drones with robo-ships

The latest Digital Talon exercise, conducting earlier this month in the Middle East region, included a variety of robotic capabilities that could play a significant role in…

Nov 25, 2024 By Jon Harper

Rain falls as Sec. Teodoro, Sec. Austin, Staff Sgt. Hampton and others connect at a USV tech demo in Palawan on Nov. 19, 2024. (Photo by Brandi Vincent)

Austin, Teodoro convene in Philippines to discuss Starlink-enabled drones, future tech cooperation, China

U.S. defense leaders toured the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command headquarters in Palawan province.

Nov 19, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

NAVAL BASE CORONADO (May 15, 2024) – Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) from Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3) operate remotely in San Diego Bay ahead of the unit’s establishment ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)

Navy eyeing new navigation tech for autonomous maritime drones in case satnav is lost

The sea service is requesting feedback from industry on new capabilities for autonomous USVs and UUVs.

Oct 28, 2024 By Jon Harper

Navy stands up new robo-ship squadron as Pentagon pursues Replicator systems

USVRON Three, commanded by Capt. Derek Rader, will oversee a fleet of small uncrewed surface vessels.

May 20, 2024 By Jon Harper

Aerial view of the Department of Defense. (Getty Images)

Counter-drone systems included in DOD’s initial Replicator selections

Several officials familiar with the Pentagon’s Replicator 1.1 selections who spoke to DefenseScoop in recent conversations on the condition of anonymity, shared new information about what can…

Apr 9, 2024 By Brandi Vincent

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 3, 2023) A global advanced reconnaissance craft is deployed in the Pacific Ocean during the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.1. IBP 23.1 is a U.S. Pacific Fleet experiment, executed by U.S. 3rd Fleet, operationalizing multi-domain employment of unmanned systems to create fleet warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek Kelley)

CJADC2 needs a hedge to succeed

Using short-range uncrewed systems in each domain, a hedge force for Taiwan would act essentially as a mobile minefield, damaging transport vessels and warships in narrow “kill…

Mar 14, 2024 By Bryan Clark Dan Patt