US Navy's Devil Ray USV Successfully Neutralizes Loitering Munitions in Test
The US Navy's Task Force 59, the Navy's first Unmanned and Artificial Intelligence Task Force, successfully demonstrated the use of lethal munitions from unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) during live weapons firing exercises in the Middle East region. The exercises, part of Exercise Digital Talon, showcased the ability of USVs to pair with crewed ships in "manned-unmanned teaming" to identify and engage simulated hostile forces at sea. The MARTAC T38 Devil Ray USV, equipped with a Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System, scored direct hits on targets using live munitions. The Navy aims to expand the use of combat-capable unmanned systems in future exercises to enhance fleet lethality and regional maritime security.