US and UK Collaborate to Neutralize Underwater Drones
Collaboration Between U.S. and U.K. to Address Underwater Drone Threats
Overview
The United States and the United Kingdom are actively collaborating to combat the emerging threat posed by underwater drones targeting ports and other vital infrastructure. This partnership has been formalized through a request for proposals issued by the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
Objectives of the Initiative
The joint initiative aims to procure a comprehensive array of commercial systems designed to identify and neutralize various underwater vehicles, including:
- Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs)
- Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
- Semisubmersibles
The solicitation emphasizes the current inadequacies in existing solutions, noting that they tend to be fragmented, costly, and insufficient in numbers. The primary objective of the Robotic Exclusion and Engagement Framework (REEF) project is to safeguard ports and harbors from an array of underwater threats, while the overarching goal is to ensure the protection of all critical U.S. waterways.
Technological Approach
DIU envisions leveraging commercially available technologies to develop a versatile solution, which may encompass:
- Fixed Systems: Examples include moored buoys and buried cables.
- Mobile Systems: This category incorporates unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), UUVs, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and drifting buoys.
The initiative prioritizes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the system’s capability to differentiate between hostile underwater drones and benign entities such as marine life, cargo vessels, and fishing boats.
Decision-Making and Response Protocols
The system must facilitate a rapid detection-to-response timeframe, allowing human operators sufficient time for informed decision-making. This capability is vital for safely interdicting or neutralizing underwater threats.
Defense Mechanisms Employed
REEF will utilize both kinetic and nonkinetic methods to counteract underwater drones:
- Nonkinetic Strategies: Rapidly deployable nets, bubble curtains, and synthetic barriers are among the proposed approaches.
- Kinetic Strategies: Options include kinetic payloads, acoustic directed energy weapons, and physical coupling devices.
The solicitation indicates a preference for nonkinetic solutions, aligning with contemporary defensive strategies aimed at minimizing collateral damage and preserving marine ecosystems.
Emphasis on Decoys
The initiative also highlights the importance of deploying decoy systems to protect waterways and critical installations. Capabilities to confuse adversarial underwater vehicles are highly sought after. These decoys can range from low-cost attritable systems to advanced technological solutions that utilize signal manipulation to thwart adversarial missions.
User-Friendly Operation and Compatibility
The REEF system is designed to be intuitive, requiring minimal training for operators. AI functionalities will provide operational recommendations to enhance user effectiveness. Additionally, interoperability with existing U.S. command-and-control systems and common operating pictures is a critical requirement.
Regulatory Support for Collaboration
The collaboration with the U.K. is facilitated by a 2024 Department of Commerce interim final rule, which permits the sharing of certain controlled items with British entities. Companies within the U.K. are eligible for export control alleviation under General Export Authorization No. 001, streamlining the cooperative efforts.
Conclusion
As threats from underwater drones escalate, the U.S.-U.K. partnership represents a proactive step towards enhancing maritime security. By employing a blend of advanced technologies, collaborative frameworks, and streamlined regulatory processes, this initiative aims to fortify the defenses of vital infrastructures across both nations. The commitment to innovation and effective engagement strategies will be pivotal in neutralizing the risks presented by increasingly sophisticated underwater drone operations.
