U.S. Navy
Deoct10 2 Promo 63612d8a22c27

U.S. and U.K. Team Up with Unmanned Vehicles in Arabian Gulf

Nov. 2, 2022
During Phantom Scope, combined manned and unmanned naval vessels from the U.S. and U.K. worked together to demonstrate the effectiveness of naval drones powered by AI.

Robotic vehicles and weapons are usually associated with ground-based forces, but unmanned systems also are being developed for maritime use. Recent demonstrations by the naval forces of the United States and the United Kingdom showed how artificial intelligence (AI) could support unmanned maritime vehicles even when controlled and monitored by human troops from shore.

Bilateral exercises were performed in the Arabian Gulf on October 7, 2022, as part of an operation called Phantom Scope, which blended vessels from both naval forces. Three Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessels (USVs) participated alongside guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), fast response cutter USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142), and UK Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels HMS Chiddingfold (M37) and HMS Bangor (M109).

During Phantom Scope, unmanned and AI systems worked with fully crewed ships in the Persian Gulf and naval command centers on shore in Bahrain. Sensors from unmanned vessels located and identified training aides in the water and relayed data to the command centers for further analysis (see image above).

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, said, “Putting more eyes out on the water enhances our picture of the surrounding seas and enables us to position our crewed ships to react more rapidly.”

Royal Navy Commodore Adrian Fryer, commander of the U.K.’s maritime component based in the Middle East, added, “Whenever we work in the maritime environment, particularly when working alongside international partners, it is critical we have relevant maritime domain awareness.” The U.S. 5th Fleet covers an area that includes the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Suez Canal, and the Red Sea.

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.

Sponsored Recommendations

MMIC Medium-Power Amplifier Covers 6 to 12 GHz

Nov. 11, 2024
Mini-Circuits is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of RF, IF, and microwave components from DC to 86GHz.

RF Amplifier and Filter Testing with Mini-Circuits Power Sensors

Nov. 11, 2024
RF power sensors are essential for accurately measuring RF components like filters and amplifiers, focusing on parameters such as insertion loss and gain. Employing instruments...

High-Frequency Modules to 110 GHz

Nov. 11, 2024
Mini-Circuits’ wide selection of high-frequency modules are designed, assembled and tested in-house by the best talent in the industry at our Deer Park Technology Center. The ...

Defense Technology: From Sea to Space

Oct. 31, 2024
Learn about these advancements in defense technology, including smart sensors, hypersonic weapons, and high-power microwave systems.