The Proliferation of Unmanned Military Systems
World militaries have come to appreciate the indispensable role of unmanned systems, not merely as replacements for manned counterparts, but as game changers in modern warfare. The ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan further amplified the critical value of unmanned aerial systems and unmanned ground systems. Consequently, unmanned surface systems piqued significant interest, propelling them onto the fast track of development.
Like their aerial and terrestrial equivalents, unmanned surface systems are appreciated for their potential to mitigate risks to human life in high-threat environments, deliver long-term surveillance, and introduce new possibilities derived from inherent unmanned technologies. However, making the leap from conceptual designs to the actual development and fielding of these systems is by no means a minor endeavor.
Testing and Enhancing Unmanned Systems through Exercises
This daunting task has been expedited through numerous U.S. national and international exercises, experiments, and demonstrations where operators have hands-on experiences with these systems, consequently providing essential feedback that inspires iterative improvements.
Although it’s quite challenging to pinpoint a single exercise pivotal in hastening the development of unmanned surface systems, and foreshadowing their future significance, the exercise Digital Horizon stands out. It symbolizes the considerable progress made with these systems and the future of varied military missions centering on unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
Digital Horizon: A Testing Ground for Cutting-Edge Unmanned Technologies
In the Arabian Gulf, an array of unmanned floating sensor platforms is actively assisting the U.S. Navy in detecting and responding to unusual maritime activities. This initiative, dubbed Digital Horizon, unified 15 different types of unmanned systems, some of which were deployed with the U.S. 5th fleet for the first time. Furthermore, it integrated advancements in communications, artificial intelligence, and machine learning provided by industry partners.
Innovative Integration and Diversification of Unmanned System Technologies
Digital Horizon 2022 showcased a formidable fleet of pioneering platforms and technologies. The USVs involved encompassed an array of systems, including the Elbit Systems’ Seagull, iXBlue DriX, L3Harris Arabian Fox, Marine Advanced Robotics WAM-V, MARTAC’s Devil Ray T-38, and many more.
Digital Horizon is a notable three-week event dedicated to utilizing artificial intelligence and 15 distinct unmanned systems in the Middle East. For many of these systems, it was their maiden operation in the region. This exercise was designed to build on the progress made during IMX22, albeit at a significantly larger scale.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics to Enhance Maritime Security
Digital Horizon aimed at integrating emerging unmanned technologies with data analytics and artificial intelligence to bolster regional maritime security and deterrence through trailblazing technological experimentation. One of its key objectives was to expedite the assimilation of new technologies across the 5th Fleet and explore affordable, alternative solutions tailored for Maritime Domain Awareness missions.
Leveraging Big Data, AI, and Machine Learning
With the surge of data garnered from the multitude of unmanned platforms participating in the exercise, Digital Horizon incidentally furthered the use of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These tools were fundamental in distilling this vast wealth of data into actionable intelligence for immediate utility to operators.
One substantial advantage of these advanced technologies is their ability to move valuable data to cloud storage, rendering it both secure and accessible to friendly forces. This anticipates a progressive concept of operation for unmanned surface systems, potentially mitigating the risk of adversaries stealing and exploiting data.
Revolutionizing Surveillance Missions With Unmanned Surface Vessels
The utilization of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) USVs, like the Devil Ray, enables swift technology deployment in surveillance missions without the traditional restrictions, furthering the U.S. Navy’s objective to hasten the incorporation of new technologies into the fleet. The insights gained from Digital Horizon will undoubtedly be invaluable to world navies seeking to escalate their usage of unmanned surface systems.
