Autonomous Systems of Impact In Modern Warfare

The integration of autonomous military systems across air, land, and sea is revolutionizing modern warfare, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and firepower. In the skies, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provide superior intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. On the ground, autonomous combat vehicles amplify firepower, situational awareness, and soldier protection. At sea, Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) significantly enhance naval operations, enabling sustained missions at a fraction of traditional costs. These advanced technologies are rapidly becoming essential to future military strategies, with the programs highlighted here representing just a glimpse of the broader efforts to develop and deploy cutting-edge autonomous systems.

Air Programs

1.Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS) and MQ-25 Stingray: The UCA Mission Control System is an innovative program developed by the U.S. Navy to manage the MQ-25 Stingray, the world's first carrier-based uncrewed aerial refueling aircraft. The system enables operators to control the MQ-25 from both aircraft carriers and onshore facilities, allowing for flexible mission planning and execution. The MQ-25's primary mission is to extend the range and endurance of crewed aircraft in the Carrier Air Wing (CVW), significantly enhancing the strike capabilities of Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs). It is expected to refuel F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and F-35C Lightning II aircraft.

The Navy aims to integrate the MQ-25 with all NIMITZ and FORD-class
carriers, and it plans to use the UCA Mission Control System to
eventually manage all uncrewed carrier-based aircraft in its fleet.

2. MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B): The MQ-9 Reaper, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, has become one of the most recognized and reliable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare. As a medium-to-high altitude, long-endurance UAS, the MQ-9 serves a dual role: hunter-killer against enemy targets and providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The Reaper can operate for over 27 hours and carry a payload of up to 16 Hellfire missiles or a mix of 500-pound bombs and Small Diameter Bombs, matching the payload capacity of the Army's Apache helicopter.

In 2021, the maritime variant, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian, introduced anti-
surface warfare capabilities with sonobuoy dispensing (for detecting
submarines) and synthetic aperture radar (for identifying surface ships).
This adaptability allows the Reaper to perform missions in diverse environments, from counterinsurgency operations to maritime patrols. In
2023, the U.S. Marine Corps took a significant step by activating the MQ-
9 equipped Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3) in
Hawaii; it plans to deploy a total of 18 Reapers across active and reserve
squadrons by 2025.

3. RQ-4 Global Hawk: The RQ-4 Global Hawk, built by Northrop Grumman, stands as one of the most advanced and expensive UAVs in service today. Designed for high-altitude, long-endurance ISR missions, the Global Hawk offers real-time intelligence and surveillance over vast regions, with the ability to remain airborne for over 34 hours at altitudes up to 65,000 feet. Its diverse payload includes synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and communications relay capabilities, making it invaluable for monitoring potential conflicts and gathering intelligence in areas of interest.

The aircraft operates in different configurations: Block 20 serves as a
communications relay (BACN), Block 30 offers an enhanced sensor suite for ISR missions, and Block 40 provides advanced radar capabilities for
battlefield surveillance.

4. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program: The U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program represents a cutting-edge initiative to develop UAVs capable of operating alongside manned fighter jets. As part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) strategy, the CCA program aims to deploy 1,000 uncrewed drones. These CCAs will employ advanced artificial intelligence to conduct a variety of missions, from reconnaissance and electronic warfare to precision strikes. They can function independently, in swarms, or as "loyal wingmen" to manned fighters like the F-35 or future NGAD platforms, offering enhanced mission adaptability.

In a combat scenario, a manned fighter jet could enter contested airspace
accompanied by several CCAs that operate semi-independently, guided by the pilot or autonomously through AI-driven mission parameters. These
uncrewed aircraft would be capable of carrying out a variety of tasks, such as engaging enemy air defenses, conducting electronic warfare, performing
surveillance and reconnaissance, or acting as decoys to distract enemy forces. The program has a projected budget of $490 million for 2024, with plans to achieve operational capabilities by 2030.

Russia and the U.K. are working on similar projects, the Hunter-B (S-70) for
the Su-57 and the Loyal Wingman for the Tempest fighter, respectively.

Land-Based Autonomous Systems

5. Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Program: As part of the U.S. Army's Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) initiative, the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program aims to develop autonomous ground platforms capable of supporting crewed combat operations. Initially planned in three variants—Light (RCV-L), Medium (RCV-M), and Heavy (RCV-H)—in 2023, the program has shifted its focus to prioritize the RCV-L, a lighter, versatile platform designed for scouting and combat support.

By 2024, prototypes from four different companies, including McQ WOLF-X, Textron Systems RIPSAW M3, General Dynamics TRX SHORAD, and Oshkosh Defense OSHKOSH RCV will be tested to refine the vehicle's capabilities.

6. XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle: The XM30, formerly known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), is the Army's next-generation replacement for the M-2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Offering the option for crewed or uncrewed operations, the XM30 will be equipped with advanced weapon systems, sensors, and communications capabilities.

It is being developed in five phases. Notably, five contracts for Phase 2 were awarded in 2021, and two firms—General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall Vehicles—were awarded contracts for Phase 3 and 4 in June 2023, totaling approximately $1.6 billion. The Army plans to move into Low-Rate Initial Production by FY2028 and Full-Rate Production by FY2030, with a FY2025 budget request of $504.8 million for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E).

7. THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System): Developed by Estonia's Milrem Robotics, the THeMIS uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) is highly versatile, capable of performing logistics support, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, and even armed missions. It features a modular design, allowing different payloads such as weapon stations, sensors, and communication systems to be quickly adapted to the mission at hand. THeMIS has been tested in various NATO exercises and has supported French forces in real-world operations in Mali. Recent contracts indicate growing interest, with deliveries planned for Japan, the UAE, Sweden, and Ukraine.

Sea-Based Autonomous Systems

The LUSV is a 200-300 feet long vessel with a 1,000-2,000 ton displacement, equipped with anti-surface warfare and strike capabilities, including 16-32 missile tubes. While primarily uncrewed, they may be lightly manned as the Navy develops operational concepts. The Navy plans to start procurement in FY2027, with costs beginning at $497.6 million.

The MUSV is under 200 feet long, with less than 500 tons displacement, designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and information operations. The Navy allocated $101.8 million for MUSV research in FY2025, but full procurement plans will follow further testing and evaluation.

The XLUUV is roughly the size of a subway car, capable of deploying advanced underwater mines. Five prototypes were already acquired, with plans to purchase one per year from FY2026 to FY2029, costing $113.3 million to $120.4 million each.

Overall, the Navy's FY2025 budget includes $54 million for LUSV R&D, $101.8 million for MUSV R&D, and $21.5 million for XLUUV R&D, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to integrating these unmanned systems into its fleet for greater operational flexibility.

8. Ghost Fleet Overlord: Ghost Fleet Overlord is the Navy’s LUSV solution and includes four vessels—Ranger, Nomad, Vanguard, and Mariner. Initiated by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) in 2018, the program involves converting commercially available vessels into autonomous USVs.

In January 2022, the vessels were transferred to the Navy’s Surface Development Squadron One in San Diego, California.

9. Sea Hunter: Sea Hunter is a trimaran vessel (unique hull design, which features three parallel hulls: one main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls) designed for anti-submarine operations. It is the Navy’s MUSV solution. Measuring 132ft in length and capable of 27 knots, Sea Hunter is the world’s largest unscrewed ship. Sea Hunter is designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surveillance missions.

Source: Boeing

10. Orca XLUUV (Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle): The U.S. Navy’s Orca XLUUV represents a significant leap in undersea warfare capabilities. Too large to be launched from manned submarines, these uncrewed submarines will be deployed from ports and forward operating bases. Their primary mission includes deploying the Hammerhead mine—a seabed-tethered system equipped with anti-submarine torpedoes.

Initially funded in FY2019, Boeing was contracted to deliver five Orca vehicles, with the first prototype delivered in December 2023. The June 2023 GAO report revealed that the XLUUV (Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle) program is $242 million (64%) over its original cost estimate and more than three years behind schedule. The Navy plans to procure additional XLUUVs at a rate of one per year from FY2026 to FY2029, with costs gradually increasing from $113.3 million to $120.4 million.