U.S. Navy Faces Setbacks in Autonomous Drone Development

The U.S. Navy’s efforts to develop a fleet of autonomous drones are encountering significant challenges, as highlighted by recent testing failures off the California coast. During a naval test last month, a demonstration of advanced autonomous drone boats was marred when one vessel stalled due to a software glitch. In a dramatic turn of events, another drone collided with the disabled craft, leading to a crash captured on video and reported by Reuters. This incident is one of several setbacks that have raised concerns about the Navy’s ambitious plan to integrate autonomous maritime technology.

In a separate incident weeks earlier, the captain of a support boat was thrown into the water when an autonomous vessel from BlackSea Technologies suddenly accelerated, causing the support boat to capsize. The captain was rescued and declined medical attention. Both occurrences have been attributed to a mix of software errors and human oversight, including communication failures between onboard systems and external software.

The Navy, along with the companies involved, Saronic and BlackSea Technologies, declined to comment on these incidents. U.S. military leaders have emphasized the necessity of autonomous drones, particularly in light of their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These drones can potentially hinder China’s influence across the Taiwan Strait, where Taiwan is also acquiring its own maritime drones.

The drones being developed in Ukraine, resembling uncrewed speedboats, can carry various payloads, including explosives and surveillance equipment. These units cost approximately USD 250,000, making them suitable for kamikaze-style missions against larger naval forces. In contrast, the U.S. Navy’s goal is to build a more sophisticated fleet of autonomous vessels that can operate without human command, with costs potentially reaching several million dollars per vessel.

The recent testing failures underscore the complexities of deploying these advanced technologies. According to Bryan Clark, an expert in autonomous warfare at the Hudson Institute, the Navy must adapt its strategies as it gains a clearer understanding of the capabilities and limitations of its systems.

Beyond technical challenges, the Navy’s acquisition unit for autonomous maritime drones has faced internal turmoil, including the dismissal of its top admiral. Concerns regarding the program were openly discussed during a meeting between senior Pentagon officials and Navy leaders last month. Following the incidents, the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has paused a USD 20 million contract with L3Harris, a key provider of autonomous software for the vessels.

The Pentagon has not commented on the reasons behind the accidents or the suspension of the L3Harris contract. A spokesperson indicated that the Navy’s drone tests are part of a “competitive and iterative approach” with industry partners. L3Harris refrained from discussing the contract, directing inquiries to the DIU, which also declined to comment.

To accelerate its drone initiative, the Pentagon launched the USD 1 billion Replicator program in 2023. This initiative aims to acquire thousands of aerial and maritime drones along with the necessary software. The first systems from this program are expected to be announced this month. The Navy has committed at least USD 160 million to BlackSea Technologies, which is producing numerous Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft vessels monthly, according to procurement records.

Saronic, recently valued at USD 4 billion, manufactures the Corsair drone but has not yet secured a significant contract. Federal procurement records indicate that Saronic has earned at least USD 20 million from prototype agreements. Acting Chief of Naval Operations, Jim Kilby, stated during a visit to BlackSea’s facility in June that these systems are vital for improving naval capabilities and extending fleet reach.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has prioritized the deployment of drone swarms, and his recent “Big Beautiful Bill” includes nearly USD 5 billion for maritime autonomous systems. Yet, skepticism surrounds the Navy’s approach under the new administration. In April, the Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) celebrated a successful demonstration of BlackSea’s software on social media, only to receive critical feedback from Pentagon officials regarding potential redundancies in the program.

The PEO USC is now under review, and there are indications it may face restructuring or closure following a series of failures. The Navy recently dismissed Rear Admiral Kevin Smith, the unit’s leader, due to a loss of confidence in his leadership, following substantiated complaints against him.

During a recent Pentagon meeting, Deputy Secretary of Defense Steven Feinberg expressed concerns about the Navy’s autonomous vessel capabilities, questioning their cost-effectiveness. A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the department does not comment on internal meetings and directed queries regarding PEO USC to the Navy, which also declined to comment.

As the Navy navigates these challenges, it faces an evolving landscape where shipbuilders and software providers are competing for larger autonomous maritime projects, including unmanned submarines and cargo-carrying vessels. Last week, the PEO USC began accepting proposals for the Modular Attack Surface Craft, targeting medium and large vessels designed for various operational roles.

According to T.X. Hammes, an expert on autonomous weapons, the Navy is attempting to rapidly transform its traditional operational methods to incorporate innovative technologies. “You’ve got a system that’s used to building big things, taking years to make a decision, and now suddenly you’re asking them to move fast,” he noted. As the Navy continues its efforts, the path forward will require addressing both technological and organizational hurdles to realize its vision for autonomous naval warfare.