U.S. Pacific Fleet Conducts Second Multi-Domain Unmanned Capabilities Exercise

U.S. Pacific Fleet Conducts Second Multi-Domain Unmanned Capabilities Exercise

The U.S. Pacific Fleet began its second multi-domain unmanned capabilities exercise on May 1, featuring and developing unmanned capabilities “above the sea, on the sea, and below the sea.” The Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 23.1, a tactical warfighting rehearsal event, will focus on testing and developing fleet-centric concepts and capabilities to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The exercise is aimed at proving the concept of unmanned systems employment as a force multiplier to traditional vessels, not as a replacement. Some of the systems participating in this exercise include Sea Hunter and Seahawk medium displacement unmanned surface vessels, RQ-20 PUMA unmanned aircraft system, and MANTAS T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vehicle (USV). Through analysis, simulation, prototyping, and demonstration, the Navy aims to systematically field and operate systems that possess the endurance and resilience to operate with infrequent human interaction.

“Successfully integrating unmanned platforms provides our commanders with better options to fight and win in contested spaces,” said Capt. Dan Brown, Assistant Chief of Staff for Experimentation at 3rd Fleet. The exercise allows PACFLT to evaluate unmanned systems and highlight areas for improvement, providing feedback to unmanned systems programs. The capabilities of these integrated manned and unmanned systems enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific and contribute to regional maritime security, which is vital to the interests of the United States and its allies and partners.

By Joshi

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