The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) recently held an event to show the new maritime autonomous systems. R&E’s Prototypes and Experiments Office planned the event, which happened from July 15-19. They made these systems to help naval operations. And to improve awareness of what’s happening around them. In order to make defense stronger in the ocean. The demonstration showed new technologies that the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia could use together in the future. This was all part of the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities effort, also called Pillar II.
Next-Generation Autonomy for Small Uncrewed Surface Vessels (sUSVs)
One of the main goals of the event was to test the Autonomy Baseline (ABL) software. This is a special government-owned software that works with the Navy’s Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA). The ABL software is designed to be flexible and easy to use on different types of vessels.
During the event, government and industry teams worked together to add new software to small Uncrewed Surface Vessels (sUSVs). They quickly put the ABL technology onto these vessels. By showing that it can control over 80 percent of the sUSVs tested. This is important because it could become a powerful tool for the Navy in the future. The R&E team also tested ways to help these autonomous.
Enhancing Communication with MUSIC
Another technology tested during the event was the Multi-domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) system. MUSIC is a software-defined mesh network. It uses multiple communication links simultaneously to ensure secure information sharing across different platforms and sensor nodes. Resilient communications solutions like MUSIC aim to improve operational efficiency. And speed up decision-making, and enhance mission effectiveness for AUKUS partners.
Command and Control (C2) Interoperability
The event also tested the Common Control System (CCS), which is the U.S. Navy’s software for planning and running missions with uncrewed systems. During the test, the MUSIC tactical communications network sent data from the Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) to the CCS. This data was then instantly shared with AUKUS partners through a special network called the Interoperability to Interchangeability (I2I) C2 network.
This smooth connection between autonomous systems and existing command systems is a big step forward. It makes it easier for the navies of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia to work together.
Opportunities for Cooperative Development
After last month’s successful tests, the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to send some of the technology to Australia. There, they will do more experiments as part of the AUKUS Maritime Big Play initiative. This program was announced in December 2023 by the defense leaders of the U.S., U.K., and Australia. It’s a series of experiments and exercises involving all three countries. The goal is to improve the technology, make it easier for these countries to work together, and develop more advanced autonomous systems for use in the ocean.
The Maritime Big Play initiative is a special opportunity for the AUKUS partners to work together. By sharing ideas and resources, they can find new ways to improve their naval capabilities. This collaboration helps them develop, test, and improve combat technology in the maritime domain.
About OUSD(R&E)
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) advances research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Their mission is to maintain the United States military’s technological superiority. The recent show of next-generation autonomous systems is an expansion to their commitment to keep pushing the boundaries of defense technology.
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