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Anti-surface warfare (ASUW): Sailorless seas

Unmanned surface vehicles are blending cutting-edge tech with age-old tactics.

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Quantumrun Foresight
July 22, 2024

Insight summary

Anti-surface warfare (ASUW) is reshaping naval operations through advanced technologies and strategies for engaging enemy vessels. By integrating manned and unmanned units, ASUW enhances operational efficiency and security, offering new ways to protect maritime domains. This trend is not only transforming military strategies but may also affect job markets, policy-making, and international cooperation, indicating significant changes in global security, technological advancement, and environmental considerations.

Anti-surface warfare (ASUW) context

Anti-surface warfare covers strategies and technologies designed to identify, track, and engage enemy surface vessels. A notable advancement in this field is Turkey's ULAQ, the nation's first indigenous unmanned surface vehicle (USV), which showcased its capabilities during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)’s Maritime Security Exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean in October 2023. ULAQ operated alongside both manned and unmanned units, demonstrating the effectiveness of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) in enhancing operational efficiency and risk reduction.

MUM-T represents a paradigm shift in maritime operations, facilitating seamless collaboration between human-operated and autonomous vessels. This integration amplifies operational capabilities, such as extended endurance and range for missions like persistent surveillance. By deploying unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) like ULAQ, which possess sophisticated day/night vision capabilities and encrypted communication, maritime forces can achieve a more comprehensive surveillance coverage, significantly enhancing their ability to respond to threats.

The April 2023 NATO exercise, Dynamic Mongoose, highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and ASUW capabilities among allied nations. The emphasis on interoperability, coordination, and teamwork reflects a collective commitment to securing maritime domains against sub-surface and surface threats. Additionally, evolving naval warfare underscores the need for continuous innovation in ASUW, including longer-range anti-ship weapons and new operational concepts, such as offensive Surface Action Groups (SAGs).

Disruptive impact

The demand for skills related to autonomous systems and cyber-security could increase, shifting the focus from traditional seamanship to more technologically oriented expertise. Individuals interested in maritime defense may need to adapt to a rapidly changing environment where knowledge of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and remote operations becomes essential. Consequently, professionals need to engage in continuous learning and skill development to remain relevant in their fields.

Meanwhile, companies producing maritime defense equipment may experience increased demand for USVs and related technologies, driving research and development efforts. However, shipping and logistics firms may need to enhance their vessels' security measures against more sophisticated threats, possibly increasing operational costs. Businesses would need to strategically navigate these changes, investing in innovation while also adopting new security protocols to protect their assets and operations in a landscape where threats are becoming more advanced.

Governments may require adjustments in national defense policies and international maritime law. Introducing crewless systems into naval operations requires clear guidelines to ensure the responsible use of these technologies while maintaining peace and security in international waters. This trend encourages international cooperation and dialogue to develop shared standards and practices that address the complexities introduced by modern ASUW technologies.

Implications of anti-surface warfare (ASUW)

Wider implications of ASUW may include:

Enhanced global security by deploying autonomous systems, reducing the risk to human life in maritime conflicts.

An increase in specialized job opportunities in sectors such as robotics, AI development, and cyber-security, addressing the growing demand for high-tech skills.

Shifts in military spending towards autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, potentially reallocating funds from traditional naval assets.

Ongoing education and training programs to equip the workforce with the skills required for emerging technologies in defense and maritime sectors.

International regulations and agreements governing the use of unmanned systems in warfare to prevent escalations and misuse.

Public debates and ethical considerations about the role of autonomous systems in military operations, impacting societal views on warfare.

Changes in maritime insurance policies and rates due to new security technologies and threats, affecting shipping costs and logistics.

Governments and private entities investing in cyber-defense measures to protect autonomous systems from hacking and tampering.

Environmental concerns related to the deployment and potential wreckage of crewless systems in sensitive maritime ecosystems, prompting research into eco-friendly designs.