UUV Archives

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Manta Ray Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (UUV) prototype, completed full-scale, in-water testing in the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu Sea Range, March 2024. (Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman via DVIDS)

CNO outlines vision for unmanned systems in Navy’s new ‘hedge strategy’

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle officially announced Tuesday the Navy’s latest approach to investing in and then deploying capabilities for conflict.

Jan 27, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Gooley)

Navy ramping up sea drone arsenal as officials aim for half of the surface fleet to be unmanned by 2045

Senior officials shed new light on a variety of moves the Navy is making to normalize operations that integrate drones across the force.

Jan 15, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

A Soldier of the 25th Infantry Division fires a Switchblade 600 rocket from the Loitering Unmanned Systems Directed Requirement (LUS DR) system during a new equipment training at the Pohakuloa Training Area in Hilo, HI. (U.S. Army photo by SPC Antonio Deric, 25th Infantry Division)

DOD touts ‘successful transition’ for Replicator initiative — but questions linger

The Defense Department has remained secretive about Replicator since its inception.

Sep 3, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Daniel Torres and Staff Sgt. Maxwell Carlson place an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle on level ground during a UUV Recovery rehearsal for exercise Kaiju Rain on Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, April 17, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kira Ducato)

U.S. military is on the hunt for killer UUVs

DIU is trying to find solutions that meet the U.S. military’s need for undersea kamikaze drones and UUVs that can be launched from submarines.

Jul 9, 2025 By Jon Harper

A Boeing unmanned MQ-25 aircraft is given operating directions on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hillary Becke)

Billions for new uncrewed systems and drone-killing tech included in Pentagon’s 2026 budget plan

The Defense Department rolled out information to reporters Thursday on its FY26 budget request.

Jun 26, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

Navy removes flag officer who oversaw acquisition of unmanned maritime systems

The Navy on Tuesday relieved Rear Adm. Kevin Smith as program executive officer for unmanned and small combatants.

May 27, 2025 By Jon Harper

DIU soliciting industry for supersized underwater drones

The Defense innovation Unit is on the hunt for a "combat autonomous maritime platform.”

Apr 18, 2025 By Jon Harper

Copperhead-100 and Copperhead-500 on display (Images courtesy of Anduril)

Anduril unveils new torpedo that can be launched by underwater drones

The Copperhead-M comes in two models with different payload capacities.

Apr 7, 2025 By Jon Harper

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testifies during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Hegseth, an Army veteran and the former host of “FOX & Friends Weekend” on FOX News will be the first of the incoming Trump administration’s nominees to face questions from Senators. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Drones expected to remain a DOD priority under Trump, according to SecDef nominee Hegseth

Pete Hegseth made it clear that he plans to prioritize the military’s adoption and integration of drones if he's confirmed as SecDef.

Jan 16, 2025 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