US Navy plans to create an underwater drone squadron

As reported by defence24.pl, the US Army intends to have an underwater drone squadron in its ranks. The initial deadline for this task is 2020, but the first tests of prototypes will begin as early as spring 2016.

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As revealed by US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, the new squadron is to be based on LDUUVs – Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle – with reconnaissance missions as their main task.

In practice, this translates into checking areas where there are potential threats and providing useful information that can help neutralise them. Drones will also be tasked with observing the battlefield and assessing the enemy’s capabilities and the potential threat from their actions.

Over time, it is likely that LDUUV’s range of tasks and capabilities will expand to include further capabilities, such as mine laying and launching flying drones to provide information on what is happening on the surface.

One of the main players in this market is the Boeing concern, whose Echo Ranger and Echo Seeker vehicles could become part of the squadron being formed. It was initially assumed that the selected vehicle would work with the so-called LCS – Littoral Combat Ship, as well as the Virginia and Ohio submarines.