US Navy drone rescue highlights growing role of unmanned vessels

The U.S. military utilizes a range of sea drones, encompassing both surface and underwater vehicles. Surface drones vary in size, from smaller 5-meter Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARC) used for port and shoreline reconnaissance, to larger L3Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 vessels capable of surveillance and communication relay. Underwater drones are deployed in various classes for missions including long-range travel and shorter-range tasks like mine detection, with much of their development remaining classified.

These unmanned systems serve diverse functions, including surveillance, enemy tracking, mine clearing, and offensive operations. While the specific drone model used in the rescue was not disclosed, the incident underscores their potential as rapid-response assets. The article also notes the combat success of Ukraine's Magura V5 sea drone, which has sunk Russian warships and, in one instance, destroyed a Russian helicopter, marking a significant milestone for unmanned maritime warfare.