Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), or naval drones, are increasing their role in military affairs. This is part of the much larger unmanned or drone revolution that is taking place at all levels of the military, where the use of drones is becoming the norm.
From infantry forces using quadcopters to large surveillance drones and the new US LUCAS system of one-way attack drones, drone warfare is increasing exponentially. This is important for Israel, as it is a pioneer in drone technology.
The use of a naval drone to rescue two US Army pilots recently is an example of how this technology is becoming increasingly relevant.
According to Naval News, “The US Navy drone task force picked up two downed pilots using a Saronic Corsair unmanned surface vessel yesterday in Middle Eastern waters during a first-of-its-kind rescue mission.”
The report went on to say that, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal, “two Army pilots patrolling regional waters near Oman were rescued after their AH-64 attack helicopter went down. A social media post from US President Trump stated that Iranian forces downed the drone and pledged American retaliation.”
US used naval drones in latest rescue mission
It is significant to note that within the US Central Command (CENTCOM), there has been a focus on using and learning about new drone technology. This is particularly true in the maritime realm. For instance, the US Navy’s Task Force 59 has been focused on using new drones.
Naval News noted that “the US Navy’s Task Force 59 used its recently procured Saronic drone boats to pick up the pilots, marking the first known use of USVs to conduct a search and rescue mission. A CENTCOM release stated that the rescue took two hours and that the pilots were in stable condition.”
Saronic's Corsair USV is described as “capable of operating at ranges over 1,000 nautical miles and can support 1,000-pound payloads.”
The BBC noted that according to US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, “the crew members were rescued by an uncrewed surface drone – a US Navy Corsair – that was operated by Task Force 59” and added that “it was the first time the US military publicly confirmed that type of vessel was used in such an operation.”
Back in 2022, the US Navy announced it was launching Digital Horizon, an event focused on unmanned systems and AI.
A Navy report at the time stated that “Digital Horizon will advance the command’s efforts to integrate new unmanned technologies while establishing the world’s first unmanned surface vessel fleet by the end of next summer. US 5th Fleet’s efforts are focused on improving what US and regional navies are able to see above, on, and below the water.”
“I am excited about the direction we are headed,” said Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, current head of CENTCOM, who was then the commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, US 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces.
Back in 2022, he said that “by harnessing these new unmanned technologies and combining them with artificial intelligence, we will enhance regional maritime security and strengthen deterrence. This benefits everybody.”
Cooper had established Task Force 59 on September 21, 2022. The goal was to focus on new technology for the US 5th Fleet’s area of operations. Operational hubs were established in Bahrain and Aqaba.
“Digital Horizon will include 17 industry partners bringing 15 different types of unmanned systems, 10 of which will operate with the US 5th Fleet for the first time,” the Navy had said.
Among the systems noted at the time, which would be examined by the Navy, were unmanned aerial vehicles, including two vertical take-off and landing systems: Aerovel’s Flexrotor and Shield AI’s V-BAT, as well as Easy Aerial’s tethered UAV.
The unmanned surface vessels included the Elbit Systems Seagull, Exail DriX, L3Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, Marine Advanced Robotics WAM-V, MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray, Ocean Aero TRITON, Open Ocean Robotics Data Xplorer, Saildrone Explorer, Seasats X3, and SeaTrac SP-48.
“The pace of innovation is amazing,” Capt. Michael Brasseur, commander of Task Force 59, had said.
“We are challenging our industry partners in one of the most difficult operational environments, and they are responding with enhanced capability, fast. I am extremely proud of the entire team, including our many partners across government, academia, and industry, for their commitment to Digital Horizon as we discover new capabilities together,” said Brasseur.
Chalking up acomplishments since 2022
The USVs were already chalking up accomplishments back in 2022. For example, a Saildrone Explorer USV was one of the platforms seeing impressive use. Now, four years later, this technology is increasingly finding its feet.
Naval drones, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic ground vehicles, are all becoming normal on the battlefield. These systems are not all lethal; they can also save lives.
Drones can help find people lost at sea and can be sent to bring people home.
For instance, drones on the ground can also help evacuate the wounded. The unmanned revolution and teaming of systems with people are part of how warfare is rapidly evolving.
This has had a major impact in Israel as well, a pioneer in drone warfare, and where many Israeli companies make unmanned systems.
Similarly, drones are also used by Israel’s adversaries, such as Hezbollah, and have revolutionized the battlefield in Ukraine. The recent rescue of US pilots is an example of how the drone revolution is starting to shape our world.