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      Unmanned Armada: The Futuristic Frontier of Sailorless Ships and Naval Warfare

      PostThe large unmanned surface vessel Nomad transits the Pacific Ocean to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, 2022. Picture Credits: Wikipedia

      In recent years, the United States Navy has been exploring new technologies that would allow them to operate ships without any sailors on board. This concept of unmanned vessels, also known as sailorless ships, has been gaining traction in the military community as a means of reducing costs and minimising risks to personnel. The US Navy has been at the forefront of this development with their manufacture of several unmanned vessels, including the Sea Hunter and the Ghost Fleet Overlord.

      The Sea Hunter, which was developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is an autonomous vessel designed to track enemy submarines. It was launched in 2016 and has since undergone several successful sea trials. The Ghost Fleet Overlord, on the other hand, is a fleet of large unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that will be used for a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. These vessels are designed to operate in a swarm, communicating with each other and coordinating their movements to achieve their objectives.

      Sailorless ships offer a range of advantages, including cost savings and enhanced operational capabilities. By eliminating the need for a crew and associated support infrastructure, these vessels can be operated at a fraction of the cost of manned ships. This enables significant financial resources to be reallocated to other crucial areas of defence. Moreover, unmanned ships can be deployed in scenarios deemed too hazardous or challenging for human crews. Whether it involves potential exposure to chemical or biological warfare agents, or operating in regions plagued by piracy or terrorist activities, unmanned vessels can fulfill critical roles in gathering intelligence or conducting missions without jeopardizing human lives. The utilisation of sailorless ships, thus, presents an opportunity to enhance both efficiency and safety in various maritime operations.

      Concerns Associated with Sailorless Ships

      Despite the benefits, there are also some concerns associated with the use of sailorless ships. These are:

      • Potential for cyber-attacks which could compromise the systems controlling the vessels: This could result in the loss of the vessel or worse, it could be used as a weapon against the United States or its allies.
      • The impact that sailor-less ships could have on the workforce: The use of unmanned vessels could potentially lead to job losses for sailors and support personnel, which could have a significant impact on the communities that rely on the Navy for employment.

      However, the US Navy is moving forward with the development of sailorless ships, as they see the benefits as outweighing the risks. As technology continues to advance, we will likely see more and more unmanned vessels deployed by the military, both in the United States and around the world.