How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate
USN Stiletto programme demonstrator. (Photo: US Navy)
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
The rapid improvement of Chinese naval capabilities and the growth of Beijing’s maritime industry have been pressing the US Navy (USN) towards investing in innovation by acquiring and developing a host of new capabilities while upgrading its in-service inventory.
In FY2026, the branch allocated nearly $30 billion to fund basic and applied scientific research and development, as well as test and evaluation efforts related to new, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), cyber, space and autonomy technologies.
Speaking last week at the 2026 Surface Navy Association National Symposium, John C Phelan, the Secretary of the Navy, noted that the US’s adversaries “are quickly
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months]()
US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
