The United States Navy is poised to deploy two medium-sized drone boats this year, marking a significant step in the advancement of unmanned maritime technology. According to Capt. Garrett Miller, commodore of Surface Development Group One, the Navy’s drone boats, named the Sea Hunter and the Seahawk, will transition from experimental status to operational deployment. This announcement was made at the Surface Navy Association conference held in Washington on Wednesday.
Operational Deployment Plans and Future Growth
Capt. Miller confirmed that the two uncrewed vessels, officially classified as medium displacement uncrewed surface vessels (MDUSVs), will be integrated into fleet operations. He stated, “They will actually be under fleet control, assigned to surface forces to be able to actually go out and do great things.” One of the drones is expected to join a carrier strike group in 2026, although specific details about which drone or strike group were not disclosed. Reports suggest that the Seahawk is the drone in question.
In an effort to enhance its unmanned capabilities, the Navy plans to establish three “early command” unmanned surface vessel divisions next week, which will adapt and expand alongside the service’s evolving unmanned technology initiatives. By 2027, the Navy anticipates having a total of 11 MDUSVs in operation, with projections to increase that number to over 30 by 2030.
Technological Advancements and Strategic Implications
Both the Seahawk and Sea Hunter were produced by Leidos and have served as prototypes during Navy exercises. The Sea Hunter was initially developed under a DARPA program as an unmanned sub tracker and sensing platform. Building on insights gained from its predecessor, the Seahawk was contracted in 2017 and delivered to the Navy in 2021.
Navy officials assert that these uncrewed vessels will enhance various maritime missions, including counter-mine operations, kinetic strikes, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities. Despite their promising capabilities, officials acknowledge that work is still needed to refine specific operational concepts for these unmanned systems.
Looking ahead, the Navy envisions that uncrewed vessels will make up a substantial portion of its overall maritime capabilities. Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, special assistant to the commander for naval surface forces at the US Pacific Fleet, emphasized this point during a panel discussion, projecting that by 2045, approximately 45 percent of the surface fleet could consist of unmanned systems. “The future is now,” Alexander remarked. “Unmanned systems, autonomous systems. AI, it’s not the future. It’s happening right now.”
The Navy’s commitment to integrating drone technology indicates a broader trend within the Pentagon to leverage unmanned systems for enhanced operational effectiveness in maritime environments. As this technology matures, it will play a critical role in shaping the future of naval warfare and maritime strategy.