US Navy commits to uncrewed surface vessel future, but plans are far from firm
The LUSV Ranger transits the Pacific Ocean to participate in Exercise RIMPAC 2022. (Photo: USN)
The US Navy is committing $2.2 billion in funding to uncrewed surface vessel (USV) programmes but the future of the Medium USV class remains uncertain.
The USN is pressing ahead with plans to develop large USVs armed with long-range missiles after recently completing a Congressionally mandated review of alternatives, committing $2.2 billion of near-term spending for this this new ship class.
Earlier this summer, the navy completed an analysis of alternatives required by law that helped refine the requirement but also effectively slowed the project.
‘The navy completed the Offensive Surface Fires Analysis of Alternatives on June 10, 2022, analysing multiple modified and new naval and commercial vessel designs,’ USN spokesperson Lt Katie Diener told Shephard. ‘The navy is working closely with industry partners
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