Experimenting with unmanned vessels

Maritime Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Battle Lab

By Colin Moore, Joint Experimentation Manager - Maritime

The Navy has taken the opportunity to follow closely with our partners into the Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) environment.

The battle field of today includes a plethora of new technology, most notably over the past decade with the proliferation of Uncrewed systems. The NZDF does not currently have a USV capability and as a result the RNZN has embarked on an experimentation activity called a battle lab to explore the feasibility of such a system. The battle lab will inform how the USV could possibly close gaps in capability as well as inform policy requirements to meet future RNZN aspirations in autonomous surface system operation. The battle lab also provides the platform to explore and understand the wider implications of introducing a new capability into service. For example, the understanding of the training and maintenance burden as well as effective tactical application of the system in a RNZN context through conducting deliberate operational scenarios. The Navy Experimentation Programme has undertaken this Battle Lab with the MARTAC MANTAS T12 system through regional agents Blue Zone Group. This same system is being explored by many of our close strategic partners so the RNZN now has ability to keep pace with these larger partners in this rapidly emerging part of the battle space and engage closely with their efforts to develop a greater understanding of the benefits. The primary focus for RNZN is the capabilities a USV could potentially provide in the littoral environment. It removes the burden on the sailor within a non-permissive, dirty, dull or dangerous environment to effectively collect information to make rapid assessments of areas of interest. This could include remotely assessing the shore line and approaches following a natural disaster or evaluating the presence of mines and developing situational awareness of activities ashore prior to lodgement of NZDF force elements. RNZN have trained a small cadre of personnel to operate the USV for the duration of the battle lab. These individuals are primarily from HMNZS MATATAUA and Geospatial Intelligence NZ and include hydrographers and small craft operators, who have the skillset for effective operation of both platform and sensors. This is a potentially attractive area of growth for the Navy as the small craft trade and littoral warfare specialists are both core capabilities within the fleet and are both exciting dynamic trades. With the potential inclusion of ‘USV operator’, it will hopefully boost recruitment into this field. While this is not NZDF’s first foray into the field of uncrewed, remotely piloted or autonomous systems, it is the first into the surface realm. But given the potential of these technologies further objectives will explore the integration and uncrewed teaming of underwater, surface and aerial systems to create a seamless system of sensors that cover all three domains.