Innovations
Tactical and technological innovations in drone warfare — what showed up first, where, and what it changes. Each entry is sourced, dated, and linked to the drones involved.
Photos show modular build progress on US Columbia-class SSBN-826
New construction photos of the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) highlight design and build features such as an X-shaped stern control plane arrangement, updated quieting/propulsion and control-s…
US Navy uses Saronic Corsair USV for search-and-rescue of downed pilots
The post describes Task Force 59 employing a Saronic Corsair unmanned surface vessel to recover two downed U.S. Army pilots, described as the first known USV-conducted search-and-rescue mission. This is a novel operational use-case for USVs…
US Navy USV used for personnel recovery after AH-64 crash near Hormuz
A U.S. Navy uncrewed surface vessel (USV) reportedly located and rescued the crew of a downed U.S. Army AH-64 Apache near the Strait of Hormuz. The article frames this as the first known instance of a drone boat conducting a personnel recov…
US Navy Corsair USV used to recover downed Apache crew in Gulf of Oman
CENTCOM confirmed a Saronic Corsair uncrewed surface vessel (Task Force 59) physically recovered and transported downed AH-64 aircrew during a SAR event. This appears to be the first known use of a drone boat for personnel recovery, signali…
US Navy surface drone used to rescue downed Apache crew in Hormuz
The post reports a U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessel (surface drone) locating and rescuing the two crew of a downed U.S. Apache near Oman. Using an unmanned surface platform for personnel recovery is a notable operational employment of USVs…
MTG-Dolphin unveils Proteus 36 MLC 37m Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel concept
Bulgarian shipbuilder MTG-Dolphin revealed the Proteus 36 MLC, a 37m modular Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel concept designed for distributed maritime operations in contested A2/AD environments. The concept emphasizes containerized mission m…
Philippines commissions Sulayman-class OPV BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21)
The Philippine Navy commissioned its second Sulayman-class 2,400-ton offshore patrol vessel, adding a modern sensor/weapon suite (76mm gun, 30mm remote weapon, decoys, radar, EO/IR). The class is noted as having a non-lethal effector and pl…
Turkey's MUGEM carrier adds multi-domain USV/UUV ops concept
Turkey’s indigenous MUGEM aircraft carrier design includes a “Multi-Domain Carrier” concept with dedicated launch/recovery areas to deploy and handle USVs and UUVs in addition to a STOBAR air wing of manned and unmanned aircraft. This refle…
Aselsan unveils Kiliç kamikaze autonomous underwater vehicle concept
Aselsan showcased the Kiliç series of kamikaze autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) intended for maritime strike/area denial, with claimed 10–100/200 nm range and multiple control modes (wire, RF, satcom). The concept includes semi-submerg…
Large Chinese 'sailless' submarine design spotted at Jiangnan Shipyard
Satellite imagery shows a new large Chinese submarine with an apparent absence of a traditional sail, plus an X-form stern and possible shrouded/pumpjet propulsor. A sailless hullform could reduce drag and acoustic signature, improving subm…