Innovations
Technological and operational innovations in the UAS and counter-UAS space — what emerged first, where, and what it changes. Each entry is sourced, dated, and linked to the drones involved.
ROKN FFX Batch III frigates field integrated sensor mast and new CIWS-II
The post highlights the Chungnam-class (FFX Batch III) frigates’ integrated sensor mast combining AESA radar with IRST and EO tracking, plus introduction of the South Korean CIWS-II and K-VLS/K-SAAM fit. While not a battlefield report, it r…
OKI OQQ-25 towed sonar selected for Australia's Upgraded Mogami frigates
Australia will field the Japanese OKI OQQ-25 towed passive sonar on its new 06FFM “Upgraded Mogami” frigates, marking OKI’s first overseas transfer of this sonar equipment. The novelty is the cross-national adoption and integration of a Jap…
USV (БЭК) shadowing Chinese destroyer near the Philippines
The digest highlights an incident where an unmanned surface vessel (БЭК/USV) reportedly approached and monitored a Chinese destroyer near the Philippines, suggesting USV use beyond the Black Sea context. It also flags prioritization of coun…
Seasats Lightfish long-endurance USV operates near Chinese Type 052D
The post describes the Seasats Lightfish, a small solar/hybrid uncrewed surface vessel capable of months-long endurance, operating autonomously across the Pacific and approaching a Chinese destroyer while tracking it via onboard radar and v…
Rafael delivers Typhoon Mk-30c RWS to Israeli Navy for Sa’ar 6 upgrade
Rafael reports recent deliveries of TYPHOON Mk-30c remotely operated naval weapon stations to the Israeli Navy as part of upgrading Sa’ar 6 corvettes and replacing legacy mounts. The system’s claimed improvements—advanced fire control/track…
US Navy conducts first live-fire SINKEX with GARC uncrewed surface vessel
The US Navy conducted its first live-fire training exercise using the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) uncrewed surface vessel during RIMPAC, demonstrating a tactical sUSV engaging a target ship in a SINKEX event. The GARC’s mo…
US Navy torpedo modernization and new MK-58 CRAW/RAPTOR undersea weapons push
The article describes a congressionally mandated overhaul of U.S. Navy torpedo inventories, testing infrastructure, and surge production planning for a two-war scenario, plus efforts to improve resistance to advanced acoustic countermeasure…
US Navy GARC kamikaze USV conducts first live-fire attack at RIMPAC 2026
The US Navy confirmed its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) uncrewed surface vessel executed its first live-fire, end-to-end destructive attack during RIMPAC 2026 SINKEX against ex-USS Peleliu. The strike reportedly used a full …
U.S. Navy uses one-way attack USVs to sink ex-USS Peleliu at RIMPAC
The post describes U.S. Navy-piloted one-way attack unmanned surface vessels (kamikaze sea drones) detonating at the waterline during a RIMPAC SINKEX to help sink a decommissioned amphibious ship. This is notable as a milestone in operation…
Russian unmanned boat “Pegas” used for logistics and minelaying near Kherson
The post claims Russian forces showcased and are already using a domestically developed unmanned surface vessel (USV) called “Pegas,” reportedly quiet and capable of 33 knots. It is described as being employed on the Kherson axis for cargo …