Navigating the Uncrewed Revolution in Naval Warfare

The article discusses the rapid advancement of uncrewed naval vessels and their potential to revolutionize naval warfare. Highlights include attacks by Ukrainian and Houthi forces using USVs and the complex challenges and limitations faced by these technologies, particularly in legal, ethical, and operational aspects.

In a groundbreaking development on February 1, Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) attacked and sank a Russian missile corvette, marking the first time a warship was brought down by a modern USV.

Houthi fighters in Yemen followed suit in June, using USVs to sink the bulk carrier MV Tutor in the Red Sea. These incidents underscore the rapid advancements in uncrewed technologies and their ability to enable less powerful forces to challenge major navies.

While these advancements signal a potential 'uncrewed revolution' for naval warfare, significant obstacles remain, including issues of viability against defended targets, range, seaworthiness, and complex legal and ethical questions.

(With inputs from agencies.)