"Uncrewed Fast Boat Successfully Tests Switchblade Kamikaze Drone-Armament"
The US Navy has successfully tested a drone speedboat armed with Switchblade 300 loitering munitions, demonstrating its potential for close-in protection against swarms of small crewed and uncrewed boats. The test, part of the Digital Talon exercise in the Persian Gulf, showcased the Navy's interest in armed drone boats for defensive and offensive missions. The uncrewed surface vessel (USV) used in the test, MARTAC Devil Ray T38, was equipped with a six-round launcher loaded with Switchblade 300s. The combination of USVs and kamikaze drones offers quick response, precision engagement, and potential use in force protection and attacking maritime and land targets. The Navy's Task Force 59, focused on integrating uncrewed capabilities, continues to explore the operational potential of USVs in various contexts, including monitoring Iranian naval activity in the Middle East.