:

Navy/USMC

Navy Weighing Approach To Building Unmanned Surface Vehicles

By Marc Selinger

Monday, April 3rd, 2017

SHARE:

Navy Weighing Approach To Building Unmanned Surface Vehicles

Textron's Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle. (Photo: Textron)

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.--The U.S. Navy plans to take a “hard look” at what its future unmanned surface vessels (USVs) should look like, including whether it should develop “purpose-built” vessels or equip existing manned systems to operate in unmanned or optionally manned mode, a program official said April 3.A series of studies “over the next couple of years” is expected to help the Navy answer such questions, said Howard Berkof; deputy program manager for unmanned systems in the Program Executive Office…

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]

Congress

Appropriators Offer Skepticism On $350B Defense Reconciliation Plan, ‘Big Risk’ For Key Initiatives

Senate and House Appropriators told Pentagon leadership on Tuesday they’re skeptical of the department’s plan to fund $350 billion of the fiscal year 2027 defense budget through the reconciliation process, […]

Congress

All Future Systems Should Have Autonomy Features, Reed Says

Last week, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) visited North Kingstown, R.I.-based Senesco, which is teaming with autonomous systems company Havoc to bid on the U.S. Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program. […]

Congress

Senate Appropriators Concerned With DoD’s Reconciliation Plan For Top FY ‘27 Priorities, Aide Says

Senate defense appropriators have concerns with the Pentagon’s decision to include key fiscal year 2027 funding priorities, such as critical munitions and drones production, among its request for $350 billion […]