NAVSEA Details Armed USV Live-Fire Test

The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command has provided details of the 4th Fleet’s unmanned surface vessel tests during the Hybrid Fleet Campaign Event in October.

Capt. Matthew Lehmann of the Program Executive Office of Unmanned and Small Combatants’ PMS 420 said sailors tested the Textron Common USV, which was equipped with the LIG Nex1-made Poniard guided rocket system. The CUSV received surveillance support from an Aerosonde unmanned aerial system to engage in and sink a target using six missiles.

Lehmann’s presentation indicated that the test marked the first time a small USV fired live missiles. Lehmann also highlighted the 4th Fleet’s procurement of 24 Greenough Advanced Rescue Craft and 10 Saildrone Voyagers, Naval News reported.

The Navy has been testing USVs since 2023 for various purposes, including manned-unmanned teaming and mine countermeasures.

In September, the U.S. 7th Fleet deployed the Mariner, Ranger, Sea Hawk and Sea Hunter drones during seaborne operations for the Integrated Battle Problem 23.2 exercise. The drones were used to support mission planning and gave sailors operational tools for various missions. They were also tested for autonomous operations at sea.

In June, the U.S. Sixth Fleet tested unmanned systems for mine countermeasures. Tests involved unmanned underwater vessels that feature automatic target recognition, explosive ordnance alerts and rescue operations.