The US Army is facing a shortage of ships to carry troops and supplies in the Pacific, with its fleet of watercraft declining from 134 in 2018 to 70 in 2024. To address this gap, the Army is exploring the use of autonomous drone boats, with plans to test and evaluate a contracted vessel as early as next summer.
The Army's 8th Theater Sustainment Command has requested industry to deliver an autonomous vessel capable of carrying eight to 10 standard-size shipping containers. The plan is to control these vessels from headquarters, saving on mariner manpower and travel costs.
The Army expects to receive six more Maneuver Support Vessels (Light) and is actively recruiting and training soldiers to operate and supervise boats, with a focus on using autonomous vessels in concert with manned vessels.
