U.S Navy Fires Missile From Unmanned Boat In The Middle East For The First Time

In a naval exercise called the Digital Talon, an unmanned vessel of the United States Navy shot lethal munitions in international waters in the Middle East. It is the first time such a drill has been conducted in the region and also captured on video, highlighting the increased prowess and capabilities of the U.S. naval forces, officials stated on Thursday.

Video Credits: GFS News

The naval exercise was carried out by Task Force 59, which specialises in unmanned technology and using A.I. in the navy. Members of this team targeted simulated enemy forces using the ‘manned-unmanned teaming’ method.

They fired live munitions from an unmanned vessel and destroyed the targeted boat on October 23. A human operator ashore made the engagement decisions of this exercise, and the system made direct hits every time, showing how precise it was.

The Navy shared a video showing an unmanned vessel with 2 outboard motors and naval operators overseeing the operation remotely. Once the target was set, a missile was fired from the “Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System” located at the backside of the unmanned vessel.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper was quite pleased with the results of this naval exercise performed in waters close to the Arabian Peninsula. He said that the Navy focuses on the operational application of novel unmanned defence systems and AI in its ships.

This exercise rose their capabilities to the next level, from maritime domain awareness to enhancing fleet lethality, thereby leading to strengthening maritime security and deterrence against illegal activities, he added.

In September, many unmanned aerial vehicles were employed to track the ships of the Iranian Navy and those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The U.S. Navy also routinely patrolled the areas around the Hormuz Strait.

References: Times of India, CBS news

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