U.S. Navy autonomous drone boat tests face collisions, software glitches

U.S. Navy tests of autonomous drone boats off California faced setbacks last month, with collisions and software glitches highlighting challenges in the Pentagon’s push to develop a fleet of unmanned maritime vessels.

During recent U.S. Navy tests off California, autonomous drone boats faced collisions and software glitches, highlighting challenges in developing unmanned maritime fleets. One vessel stalled while another crashed into it, and in a separate incident, a support boat capsized after a drone suddenly accelerated.

The incidents involved BlackSea Technologies and Saronic vessels and were caused by a mix of software failures and human error.

The Navy and companies declined to comment. 

The U.S. aims to deploy autonomous drone swarms inspired by Ukraine’s maritime drones. While Ukrainian drones cost around $250,000, U.S. vessels are more advanced and cost millions. Organizational setbacks, including a paused $20 million L3Harris contract and leadership changes, have further complicated the program.

Experts say the Navy must adapt tactics and procedures as it expands autonomous capabilities, while competition grows for larger maritime projects, including unmanned submarines and cargo ships.

T.X. Hammes, an autonomous weapons expert, commented: “You’ve got a system that’s used to building big things, taking years to make a decision, and now suddenly you’re asking them to move fast.”

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