Navy CNO Positive on MUM-T Operations by 2030s

The U.S. Navy’s chief of naval operations is optimistic about the service’s ability to operate a manned-unmanned fleet within the next decade.

Speaking at the WEST 2024 conference on Tuesday, Adm. Lisa Franchetti shared that the Navy is keen on integrating the manned-unmanned teaming concept by 2030. Franchetti also said the service will create the infrastructure, networks, operational concepts and other enablers for future unmanned operations.

The Navy has a three-phase plan for MUM-Ts outlined in its Future Years Defense Program. The first phase, scheduled for fiscal years 2024 to 2028, involves prototyping and experimentation; the second phase, scheduled for FY 2029 to 2033, is focused on buying programs of record and starting using MUM-Ts; and the third phase is to have a fully operational fleet, C4ISRNET reported.

Franchetti’s comments come after the Naval Forces Central Command tested unmanned systems during the Digital Talon exercise in the Middle East. During the event, sailors demonstrated how the Freedom-class littoral combat ship would work with unmanned surface and aerial vehicles in real-world scenarios, such as battlefield imaging and live fires.

Meanwhile, the Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 59 set up Task Group 59.1, a unit focused on MUM-T deployments, technology integration and acquisition and compatibility.