"US and Japanese Navies Strengthen Fleet Integration with Unmanned Vessels"
The U.S. Navy has deployed four unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to Japan as part of the Integrated Battle Problem 23.2 exercise. These USVs, including prototypes for the Navy's planned Large Unmanned Surface Vessel program, are being used as fully operational tools to assist manned ships in conducting missions in the Pacific. The USVs have integrated with various commands and ships along the way, and their deployment has provided valuable insights into the challenges of integrating new technology into established tactics and procedures. The Navy sees the deployment of USVs as a game-changer, allowing for increased coverage of water space with the same number of manned surface combatants.