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2024-10-07
Aquatic Warriors: UMVs Rule the Waves
Military Robotics - Part 3
As we continue our thrilling journey into the realm of military robotics in this third part of our series, having navigated the rugged terrains commanded by Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and soared through the skies with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), we now plunge into the depths of the ocean with Unmanned Maritime Vehicles (UMV).
UMV is a general term for remotely controlled vehicles utilised in the maritime industry. This broad category includes aerial drones (UAVs) as well as remotely operated vehicles designed for underwater navigation.
This instalment focuses on the leading countries harnessing UAVs in their naval operations, where the battle for supremacy extends beyond the horizon.
In an era where technology is redefining warfare, navies of nations like the U.S., China, Russia, and the United Kingdom are utilising UAVs for critical tasks.
This article will focus solely on airborne applications of maritime drones as they are more common.
While we explore the capabilities of these advanced systems, we also set the stage for an upcoming edition that will delve deeper into more countries leveraging UAVs in naval domain to reshape naval strategies and enhance maritime security.
New Era of Naval Power
Let’s dive into the transformative impact of these cutting-edge drones and uncover how they are revolutionising the landscape of naval warfare.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance: UAVs are extensively utilised for ISR missions, delivering real-time insights into maritime threats, enemy movements, and environmental conditions. They provide a persistent and cost-effective solution for monitoring vast ocean areas, coastal zones, and critical maritime routes.
They are essential for maritime patrol operations, effectively monitoring shipping lanes, coastal regions, and Exclusive Economic Zones. They play a vital role in anti-piracy and smuggling by tracking and aiding in the interdiction of illegal activities such as piracy, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
With their persistent surveillance capabilities, UAVs can loiter over areas of interest for extended periods, providing continuous monitoring without the fatigue limitations of manned systems.
Maritime Domain Awareness: UAVs enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA) for navies by monitoring activities at sea, utilising sensors like radar, EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) sensors, and sonar systems.
In coastal defence, they survey coastal regions and alert naval forces to threats or unauthorised activities.
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): The drones support ASW operations by deploying sonobuoys and relaying acoustic data to surface ships, submarines, or command centres. They act as airborne assets that can search for enemy submarines and assist in their tracking and potential neutralisation.
They can be equipped with sonar systems or drop buoys.
Target Acquisition and Fire Control: UAVs enhance target acquisition for naval vessels, guiding them for missile strikes and artillery fire while allowing manned platforms to maintain a safe distance. They designate targets with laser guidance systems, improving strike accuracy from naval vessels or aircraft.
Search and Rescue (SAR): Drones are increasingly used in search-and-rescue missions, covering large areas efficiently and providing real-time video to aid rescue efforts. Equipped with infrared sensors and thermal cameras, they can locate survivors at sea, even in poor visibility or bad weather.
Mine Detection and Countermeasures: The aerial systems play a key role in mine detection and countermeasures, scanning for naval mines and reducing risks to manned vessels. Specialised UAVs with sensors or sonar identify and neutralize underwater mines without endangering crews.
Electronic Warfare (EW): Maritime UAVs can perform electronic warfare roles by jamming enemy communications, radar, and targeting systems. They can disrupt the enemy’s ability to coordinate naval activities, track friendly vessels, or engage in precise attacks.
They can also intercept and analyse enemy communications or radar signals, providing naval forces with intelligence on adversary tactics.
Armed UAVs (Combat Drones): Armed UAVs provide strike capabilities, enabling navies to engage enemy ships, coastal targets, or ground forces. Carrying precision-guided munitions, they offer a low-cost option for naval airstrikes from surface vessels or carriers.
Logistics and Resupply: The drones can be used for logistics and resupply missions, transporting equipment, food, medical supplies, or ammunition between ships or to land-based forces. This reduces the risk of sending manned helicopters or surface vessels for such missions. Maritime UAVs are now designed to deliver critical supplies to remote or dangerous areas during combat or in contested waters.
Communication Relays: The unmanned aircraft can serve as communication relays, especially in beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) situations, extending the range of communication networks between naval vessels and other assets.
This is particularly useful when ships are dispersed across vast distances or during operations in isolated areas. They can enable real-time communication between ships, submarines, and aircraft, creating a seamless communication network over large maritime areas.
This is particularly useful when ships are dispersed across vast distances or during operations in isolated areas. They can enable real-time communication between ships, submarines, and aircraft, creating a seamless communication network over large maritime areas.
Environmental and Meteorological Monitoring: Maritime UAVs gather oceanographic and meteorological data, aiding naval operational planning by monitoring sea state, weather, and climate. They also track severe weather, providing real-time data during storms or hurricanes.
Training and Simulation: UAVs can be used as target drones for training naval personnel in air defence, missile systems, and anti-aircraft warfare. These drones simulate enemy aircraft or incoming missiles, offering realistic scenarios for naval exercises.
A Country-by-Country Exploration
Here are some of the leading countries and the popular Maritime UAVs in their naval operations:
U.S. Fleet’s Aerial Edge
The U.S. Navy is a major user of UAVs, leveraging platforms like the Aerosonde UAS, MQ-8 Fire Scout, MQ-9 Reaper, and MQ-4C Triton for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and even strike missions. The U.S. is also developing the MQ-25 Stingray, a UAV designed for aerial refuelling, which will extend the range of manned aircraft.
Aerosonde Mark 4.8: Textron Systems’ Aerosonde Mk. 4.8 Fixed Wing (FW) UAS offers superior reliability and multi-mission performance in its class. With increased size, weight and power (SWAP) compared to the Mk. 4.7 configuration, it brings enhanced mission flexibility and capability.
The Aerosonde UAS has a modular design that allows for quick and easy assembly and disassembly, simplifying maintenance and repair tasks in the field. The system is expeditionary in nature, with a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) kit.
Additionally, advanced autonomy features enable it to operate in challenging environments with minimal human intervention, reducing the workload on operators and enhancing mission effectiveness.
With a flight endurance of up to 20 hours and a range of over 140 km, this system can cover large distances and stay airborne for extended periods of time, providing valuable surveillance and reconnaissance data to military personnel on the ground and at sea.
The range of an Aerosonde UAS can easily be extended by deploying a small footprint spoke site. This makes it an excellent option for long-duration missions that require continuous monitoring of a specific area.
The Aerosonde UAS is also equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that can capture detailed information during both day and night operations, allowing military personnel to gather critical intelligence in a variety of conditions. This data can then be transmitted in real-time, providing up-to-date information to support tactical decision-making.
The Aerosonde UAS is also equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that can capture detailed information during both day and night operations, allowing military personnel to gather critical intelligence in a variety of conditions. This data can then be transmitted in real-time, providing up-to-date information to support tactical decision-making.
MQ-8 Fire Scout: The MQ-8 Fire Scout comes in two variants. The smaller MQ-8B, deployed on frigates and Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), has supported counter-IED operations in Afghanistan, logging over 16,600 flight hours across 6,200 sorties. It features a multi-mode maritime radar and has tested the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), demonstrating concurrent operations with manned aircraft at sea.
The MQ-8C, based on the airframe of commercial Bell 407, is the Navy’s next-gen autonomous helicopter. It boasts more than double the range and more than triple the payload capacity of the MQ-8B. With autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities on both ships and land, the MQ-8C has completed developmental testing and is deployment-ready.
MQ-9 Reaper: The MQ-9 Reaper primarily serves as an intelligence-collection asset and secondary strike platform, with its extensive loiter time, advanced sensors, and precision weapons enabling it to engage high-value, fleeting targets. It performs a range of missions including ISR, close air support, combat search and rescue, and precision strike.
The Reaper features the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS-B) with visual sensors, infrared, and laser designators, and can deploy up to eight Hellfire missiles. The aircraft is transportable in a single container and can be flown from standard airfields. Extended range operations are supported by external fuel tanks, a propeller blade addition, and an alcohol-water injection system.
MQ-25 Stingray: Boeing is bringing the future of unmanned aircraft carrier aviation to the U.S. Navy with the MQ-25. An unmanned aircraft system designed for the U.S. Navy mission, it will provide the needed robust refuelling capability, extending the combat range of deployed Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Boeing EA-18G Growler, and Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters.
The MQ-25 brings the right combination of refuelling, autonomy, and seamless carrier deck integration to meet the U.S. Navy’s goals.
China Navy’s Airborne Might
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) employs several UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. The CASC CH-4 and Wing Loong series are among China’s most widely used UAVs, while the GJ-11 is a stealthy combat drone under development. China is working on integrating the drones into its growing fleet of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.
CASC CH-4: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)’s export arm, Aerospace Long March International (ALIT), offers two CH-4 variants: the CH-4A and CH-4B. The CH-4A, with a range of 3,500–5,000 km and a 30-hour endurance, is primarily for reconnaissance. The CH-4B, a strike-focused model, can carry a 345 kg payload but has a shorter endurance of 14 hours.
The CH-4, introduced publicly in 2014, has been exported to Algeria, Iraq, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. The Indonesian Air Force, the first Southeast Asian air force with armed UAVs, has equipped its CH-4Bs with satellite communications and precision-guided missiles. Pakistan has also received five CH-4 UAVs.
Upgraded versions of the CH-4 have emerged in recent years, including longer-ranged models designed for extended maritime patrol and surveillance operations.
GJ-11: China displayed a scale model of its GJ-11 Sharp Sword unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) at Singapore Air Show 2024. The GJ-11 has been hyped as the J-20’s ‘loyal wingman’ drone and is also slated to fly from the latest Type 004 Fujian carrier.
The GJ-11 was first officially revealed in an October 2019 military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) (or the National Day) and has been widely believed to rival the US stealth RQ-170 Sentinel drone.
Developed and manufactured by AVIC, the first photos were only top and side views of the drone mounted on a truck during the parade.
The stealth of the GJ-11 is not just a matter of shape but also of function. The released images show an aircraft whose design minimises visibility to enemy radars, essential for reconnaissance missions and potentially combat. Its internal weapon bay and capability to carry up to two tonnes of payload attest to its offensive vocation, while its maximum takeoff weight of 10 tonnes and speed reaching up to 1000 km/h position it as a formidable actor in the 21st-century skies.
The GJ-11’s combat radius of 1,200 kilometres, coupled with its low radar visibility thanks to stealth technology, underscores China’s ambition to possess a significant strategic asset capable of operating far behind rival lines undetected. Its ability to autonomously take off from Type 075 amphibious assault ships reveals valuable versatility for force projection and special operations.
Russian Navy’s Stealth Squadron
Russian navy has been increasing its use of UAVs like the Orlan-10, Orlan-30 and Forpost for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and target acquisition. Russia is also developing combat drones such as the S-70 Okhotnik for naval operations.
Orlan-10: Orlan-10 is a medium-range, multi-purpose UAV developed by Russian firm Special Technology Centre LLC in St Petersburg. The UAV is in service with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. It is intended for a variety of missions including aerial reconnaissance, observation, monitoring, search and rescue, combat training, jamming, detection of radio signals, and target tracking.
The drone is usually used in a group of two or three, where the first one is used for reconnaissance in a height of 1-1.5 km, the second one for electronic warfare and the third one as a transponder that transmits intelligence information to the control centre.
Forpost: The Forpost R is derived from the Israeli Hunter UAV with all components made in Russia. Its primary objective is to conduct reconnaissance missions on behalf of the Russian Armed Forces and to relay the target location in real time for its destruction.
The overall performance has been improved in comparison with the original Hunter/Forpost UAV.
The 500 kg air vehicle incorporates improved radar identification equipment among other reconnaissance devices. The range was increased by 60 miles and can stay airborne for up to 18 hours with a ceiling of 20,000-ft.
The attack iteration of Forpost-R can be armed with various free-fall general-purpose bombs. The drone is reportedly able to carry a maximum payload of 120 kg.
S-70 Okhotnik: One of the new unmanned systems that the Russians are developing is the S-70 Okhotnik (Hunter) stealth heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle. This unmanned beast is being developed by Sukhoi and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG as a sixth-generation aircraft project.
The drone is based on the earlier Mikoyan Skat, designed by MiG, and encompasses some technologies of the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet.
The first flight-ready model of Russia’s upgraded S-70 Okhotnik (Hunter) heavy combat drone is on its way to the military for testing, with fielding expected later this year. Developed by Chkalov’s Novosibirsk aviation plant in western Siberia, it is equipped with a flat nozzle to increase its stealth capability.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has reportedly ordered three new prototypes of the S-70 Okhotnik, which will serve as a wing drone for the fifth-generation fighter, the SU-57, but can also be operated from the ground.
The first prototype of the S-70 was completed in 2018, and the second and third prototypes are expected to be completed in late 2024.
It is designed for autonomous take-offs and landings using a sophisticated autopilot system. Russian officials claim it surpasses several foreign counterparts in key areas. Powered by the Al-41F1 engine, also used in the Su-57 and Checkmate aircraft, the S-70 has a range of up to 6,000 kilometres. While remotely piloted, it features advanced Artificial Intelligence, enabling autonomous flight during operations.
This AI system will allow the drone to dynamically react to changing circumstances and execute its pre-programmed mission.
It is expected to carry a variety of weapons, including 250 and 500 calibre bombs, guided and unguided bombs up to 1,000 kg, guided glide bombs such as the Drel cluster bomb developed for the Su-57, as well as air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles.
UK’s Drone Frontier
The Royal Navy has integrated Maritime UAVs like the ScanEagle for ISR missions. The UK is exploring advanced technologies, including autonomous drones and swarming capabilities. The Protector RG Mk1, a naval variant of the MQ-9B Reaper, is expected to join the Royal Navy in the coming years.
ScanEagle: ScanEagle is a maritime reconnaissance asset that can be launched off the back of Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships day or night to gather intelligence and survey the wider area of operations.
Built by Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing Defence UK Limited, it is the first maritime-specific unmanned air system capability to be delivered in support of naval operations.
It will complement the existing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets used on operations such as helicopters and long-range radar. The unarmed aircraft, which has a wingspan of just over three metres and weighs 22 kilogrammes, is launched from ships into the sky by a pneumatic catapult.
Flying at approximately 60 knots, the ScanEagle is operated by a specialist team aboard the ship. This team plans its missions, controls its flights, and analyses the data collected by its advanced sensors. After completing its flight, the ScanEagle is recovered on board the ship.
Protector RG Mk 1: Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B) is the successor to Reaper (MQ-9A) and is the next generation of remotely piloted medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) aircraft. It will be deployed in wide-ranging armed Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations where its ability to fly consistently for up to 40 hours will offer the RAF a vastly improved armed ISTAR capability.
Considered a step change in capability for the RAF, the cutting-edge platform will be capable of being flown anywhere in the world while being operated by personnel located at RAF Waddington.
Protector will be able to fly in busy, unsegregated airspace thanks to its ground-breaking ‘detect and avoid’ technology. The platform will be able to take off and land automatically, increasing its flexibility and meaning there will be a reduced deployed footprint when compared to other remotely piloted platforms such as Reaper.
The aircraft payload comprises of a complex suite of sensors, including a High-Definition Electro-Optical, Infra-Red (IR) camera, which, combined with endurance, provides a sensational persistent reconnaissance capability across the electro-magnetic spectrum.
It will be able to respond quickly and offer commanders flexibility, allowing the aircraft to perform a plethora of strategic tasks, ranging from close air support to disaster relief, should it be requested.
Next Wave: More Nations Embrace UMVs
As technology continues to advance, the future of UMVs looks even brighter, with the promise of increased autonomy, swarming tactics, and enhanced payloads that will further solidify their position as the vanguard of maritime dominance.
This article has highlighted the growing relationship between countries and Maritime UAVs. Future instalments will explore in greater depth how more nations are increasingly adopting UMVs to enhance their security strategies.
Stay tuned for further insights into the evolving role of UMVs on the global stage.
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