Navy Tests Combined Manned, Unmanned Systems for Live Firing at Sea to Deter Conflicts

The U.S. Navy is continuing its efforts to integrate unmanned systems for live firing at sea to deter or de-escalate conflicts.

On Monday, the Naval Forces Central Command hosted the second Digital Talon exercise in the international waters of the Arabian Gulf. The exercise showcased how combining the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis, three unmanned surface vehicles and an unmanned aerial vehicle can provide a common operating picture and targeting data for live weapon firing, the U.S. Navy said.  

Capt. Colin Corridan, Task Force 59 commodore, said the demonstration showed the promise of the combined manned and unmanned systems as a lethal weapon, showing its potential to strengthen regional maritime security and increase protection against malicious activities.

The service has been working to increase the presence of unmanned systems in its operations. In April, Vice Adm. Scott Conn, deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting requirements and capabilities, shared how the Navy is assembling a fleet of manned and unmanned systems to aid in several areas, including deception, distribution and decision advantage.