Unmanned underwater vehicle demand grows as navies convert special projects to military programs
NewsJune 18, 2021
LONDON. A growing number of experiments by national navies with unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) have actually transitioned into procurement/manufacture programs, according to a recent report from GlobalData, "Thematic Research: Unmanned Underwater Vehicles."
According to the study authors, countries' navies and corporations, in tandem with universities and research and development centers, have been developing and experimenting with various UUVs for many years and have been able to convert some of these experiments into actual useful technology for navies. The study asserts that one of the key drivers for the continued development of UUVs is to move valluable troops away from contested and dangerous environments so as to avoid casualties.
GlobalData defense analyst Nurettin Sevi (retired captain, Turkish navy), asserts in the study that while UUVs play support roles now, they could be force multipliers for naval operations as they improve in size and capability. "Integrating AI technology would help these vehicles perform more sophisticated missions by overcoming the limited and poor underwater communication barrier, which limits simultaneous interaction with other systems and platforms.
“Today’s UUVs offer an improvement in operation time and safety, greater flexibility of use, more efficient power systems and lower implementation and sustainability costs. Moreover, large-sized UUVs generally have switchable and modular mission payload suites; and can, therefore, perform multi-mission by changing modules. Collective advances in technology allow these vehicles to execute more complex operations, with increased autonomy and their own support packages.”
For additional information visit the GlobalData website.
