UUV Archives

Sunset in the Atlantic from USNS Pathfinder (T-AGS 60) a Military Sealift Command oceanographic survey ship during a scheduled underway with Sailors from U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and staff from Naval Oceanographic Office on board. (US Navy photo by LT Bobby Dixon / Released)

Navy eyes a ‘mothership’ with drones for future oceanographic survey missions

The Navy's oceanographic survey assets capture crucial information about the world’s oceans — and maritime threats that lurk in them.

2 days ago By Brandi Vincent

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.

Apr 30, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

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

Navy to use underwater drones to help clear Iranian mines from Strait of Hormuz

In a social media post Saturday, U.S. Central Command announced that underwater drones will join the mine clearance effort.

Apr 11, 2026 By Jon Harper

(Photo courtesy of U.S. Central Command)

Centcom commander says ‘hundreds’ of U.S. drones are involved in Iran war

U.S. Central Command launched more LUCAS drones against Iran.

Apr 7, 2026 By Jon Harper

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 22, 2022) The large unmanned surface vessel Nomad, front, medium displacement unmanned vessel Sea Hunter, right, and large unmanned surface vessel Ranger transit the Pacific Ocean to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyler R. Fraser)

Navy exploring options to solve its ‘unmanned dilemma’

The service’s new warfighting directions rely heavily on the integration of surface, undersea, and aerial drone swarms across the fleet.

Feb 11, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

Sailors, attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2, deploy an MK18 Mod 1 Swordfish unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) during UNITAS LXV, September 5, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter S. Harwell)

Navy eyes extended subsea network to link up its arsenal of manned and unmanned assets for DMO

The sea service recently kicked off its new Networked Expeditionary Routing and Exchange for Undersea Systems (NEREUS) project.

Feb 5, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

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