The unmanned edge
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Autonomous boats, including unmanned surface vessels (USVs), are becoming critical force multipliers for coastal and oceanic defence, tackling the ‘three Ds’ – dull, dirty and dangerous tasks. Over the past five years, the deployment of these crewless vessels has coincided with escalating geopolitical tensions, reshaping government policy. The UK, for instance, is committing more than £500 million to transform its elite Commando Force into a high-tech, rapid-reaction unit as part of the refocused Defence Investment Plan, which will provide new high-speed boats, drones and amphibious ships to support frontline capabilities.
These developments have also forced an industry rethink on how best to design and build these units for maximum efficiency.
“Governments are gradually reducing the human element to lower risk,” explains Jack Dougherty, CEO of autonomous vessel consultancy