EOKHUB’s Post

The recent event where a Russian #FPV 🇷🇺(First-Person View) drone struck a Ukrainian Unmanned Surface Vessel (#USV)🇺🇦 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of naval warfare. This incident highlights the increasing role of drones in military operations, showcasing how advancements in #robotic #warfare are reshaping combat strategies and tactics. #FPV drones, typically used for their real-time video feed capabilities, offer operators a direct and immersive perspective of the battlefield, allowing for precise targeting and maneuvering. The use of such drones against a USV signifies a new layer of complexity in naval engagements, where autonomous or semi-autonomous systems can be deployed for offensive or defensive missions without risking human lives directly. This encounter underscores several key trends and implications for future naval warfare: 1. Increased Autonomy and AI Integration The use of drones and USVs suggests a shift towards greater autonomy in military hardware, with artificial intelligence playing a critical role in decision-making processes. This can lead to faster and more efficient responses in combat situations. 2. Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility: Compared to traditional manned vessels and aircraft, drones are generally more cost-effective and easier to produce. This democratizes access to advanced military capabilities, potentially leveling the playing field for smaller nations or groups. 3. Asymmetrical Warfare: Drones and USVs can be deployed in swarming tactics, overwhelming traditional defense systems. This asymmetry allows for innovative strategies that can outmaneuver or outwit conventional forces. 4. Reduced Human Risk: The deployment of unmanned systems significantly reduces the risk to human personnel. This can lead to more aggressive tactics, as the potential cost of losing a drone or USV is far less than losing a human-operated vessel or aircraft. 5. Cybersecurity and Electronic Warfare: As reliance on drones and autonomous systems grows, so does the importance of securing these systems from cyber threats and electronic warfare. Ensuring the integrity and security of communication links and control systems will be paramount. 6. Environmental and Geopolitical Impact: The ability to deploy unmanned systems in various environments—ranging from open seas to coastal areas—can influence geopolitical dynamics, as nations leverage these technologies to assert control over strategic waterways and regions. The Russian FPV drone's strike on a Ukrainian USV marks a watershed moment in naval warfare, emphasizing the transformative impact of #robotic #warfare. As technology continues to advance, the integration of unmanned systems in military operations is likely to expand, driving a paradigm shift in how conflicts are conducted on the seas. #DroneWarfare #RoboticWarfare

This is one of the problems the United States encounters, not only with the Iranian Threat Network, but also in the Indo-Pacific, where China has advanced its anti-access area denial (A2AD) capabilities to mitigate or even eliminate any advantage the United States would have operating high end platforms like Aircraft Carriers and 5th Gen fighters. For pennies on the dollar our enemies can endanger multi-billion dollar platforms and their crews. This is why programs like Replicator and others that are attempting to create cheap, attritable drones are so important. Programs that integrate those platforms into the command and control systems are also vital pursuits. Combined they can help us deter, and if necessary, defeat adversaries in both theaters.

“"The US Marine Corps has embraced this guidance and is moving to increase the number of battalions and squadrons that field unmanned systems and acquire the SHIELD AI V-Bat to enable further operating concepts. The V-Bat takes off and lands vertically, eliminating the need for catapults or skyhooks. Consequently, it has a much smaller operational footprint than the ScanEagle or RQ-21 and even could operate from small naval vessels that lack flight decks, such as patrol craft and optionally manned or unmanned surface vehicles.” https://lnkd.in/gVDeEQJy

If thinking of leaving the military, Qinetiq are very varied and good 👍

Drones are transforming warfare. Over the past decade, uncrewed aerial vehicles—and recently naval vessels—have put increasingly lethal and effective military equipment in the hands of insurgent groups. The question for the U.S. and its allies now is how to defend against cheap drones without using expensive missiles. Here’s a look at some of the ways drones are reshaping warfare. https://lnkd.in/eS_bXxH7

Great to see V-BAT as the catalyst for US Marine Corps expansion of Group 3 UAS maritime operating concepts. Imagine the more sensitive CONOP development underway now that V-BAT Teaming and precision kinetic effects are both proven capabilities. V-BAT is uniquely able to operate seamlessly ship-to-shore and between operating nodes, across the full spectrum from small landing craft and patrol boats to larger ships and merchant vessels, and from both crewed and optionally crewed vessels. With Australia’s surface fleet review forecasting more and generally smaller vessels for the RAN (and ABF), and Army tracking toward advanced (V-BAT compatible!) littoral landing craft through Land 8710, V-BAT is destined to become ubiquitous down under! Using class-leading sovereign payloads, whilst remaining fully interoperable with our allies.

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has an open solicitation in the C-UAS space DUE TOMORROW. 🚨📢 Commercial Solutions Opening for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems - NEXT (Counter NEXT) “The U.S. Department of the Navy seeks a kinetic defeat solution for group 3+ UAS. The proposed solution must demonstrate a high probability of kinetic defeat on adversarial group 3+ UAS and be more cost-effective than the current traditional air defense solutions being used against UAS and available to Naval operational commanders. “ Learn more below. ↘ https://lnkd.in/eYtPQ9yR Jason Combs, Liz Young McNally 47G

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has an open solicitation in the C-UAS space DUE TOMORROW. 🚨📢 Commercial Solutions Opening for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems - NEXT (Counter NEXT) “The U.S. Department of the Navy seeks a kinetic defeat solution for group 3+ UAS. The proposed solution must demonstrate a high probability of kinetic defeat on adversarial group 3+ UAS and be more cost-effective than the current traditional air defense solutions being used against UAS and available to Naval operational commanders. “ Learn more below. ↘ https://lnkd.in/eYtPQ9yR Jason Combs, Liz Young McNally

The world was stunned by UK Ministry of Defence’s demonstration of the DragonFire LDEW system in action back in January, bringing science fiction to life and seemingly opening a new frontier in the battle against hostile drone incursions. DragonFire theoretically provides the solution to the challenge gripping allied militaries - how to ensure drone mitigation measures are not only effective but scalable, cost effective and reliable. Last week’s Counter UAS Technology Europe Conference featured unprecedented insight on the timeline accelerations, industry development and integration considerations that will determine how quickly we see LDEW systems deployed on the battlefield. Our exclusive piece summarises the perspective of leading military and industry experts including Group Captain Gary Darby MSyI MSc - UK Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant Commander Kieran Lewis - Royal Navy, Aaron Westman - BlueHalo, and Squadron Leader Hugo Morris - British Army, highlighting the challenges and opportunities anyone working in the C-UAS field will want to be aware of. ➡️Click here to download: https://lnkd.in/eqv3NiZ4. #counteruas #cuas #counterdrone #lasers #defence #ukmod #dragonfire (image source: Lockheed Martin)