Unmanned Surface Vessels

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are watercraft that operate autonomously on the surface of the water, without a human crew onboard. These vessels are increasingly being developed and deployed for a variety of maritime applications, including naval operations and law enforcement. Their current newsworthiness stems from recent significant developments, such as the first reported naval battle between two USVs in the Black Sea. Furthermore, there is growing interest in their potential for patrols in contested waters, like the South China Sea, where AI-assisted and wave-powered USVs are being explored by China for maritime rights and law enforcement. The adaptability and potential cost-effectiveness of USVs make them a relevant and significant development in modern maritime strategy and security, offering new capabilities for surveillance, patrol, and potentially combat.