The autonomous navy: Sea drones and the future of maritime conflict

By Kamil Kaminski, Alan Bury, Fred Bezombes and Abdul Khalique

Message from the Editor

The authors survey recent drone developments, theorising an emerging global drone arms race with geostrategic implications. Originally published in Seaways magazine, April 2025 (https://www.nautinst.org/resources-page/seaways-feature-the-autonomous-navy.html). A 15 minute read.

The game-changing potential of USVs to impact the modern battlefield has sent shockwaves through naval circles around the globe, proving that small, unmanned vessels can pose a serious threat to even the most sophisticated warships. Concepts which had previously existed primarily in theoretical discussions have been validated through Ukrainian operational experiences. Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) have been found to represent more than a mere technological novelty, they are a strategic equaliser that allowed Ukraine to contest maritime spaces previously deemed unassailable. The Ukrainian con…

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