Navy Unveils Revolutionary Plan: First-Ever Robotic Commander To Lead Unmanned Fleet

The Navy’s push to integrate unmanned vessels into its fleet is gaining momentum, with the service considering the establishment of a robotic autonomous systems (RAS) commander to oversee these capabilities. This new role would be responsible for commanding and controlling a range of unmanned systems, including drones, submarines, and surface ships, in order to achieve mission outcomes.

According to Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, the RAS commander would serve as a key component of the Navy’s “Fighting Instructions” framework, which aims to capitalize on unmanned systems and create tailored options for various missions. The framework also calls for the development of a hedge force strategy, which seeks to balance the benefits of advanced technology with the need for human judgment and decision-making.

The RAS commander role is still in its infancy, but Caudle believes that it has the potential to transform the way the Navy operates. “This RAS warfighting commander — it’s almost a joint task force commander just for these systems alone,” he said. “Where my head is, and we’re not there yet, a RAS commander knows how to command and control these packages of unmanned capabilities to achieve the mission outcomes that the strike group commander may want.”

One of the key challenges facing the Navy as it develops its RAS capabilities is the need for standardized command structures. Currently, RAS systems are organized by domain, such as undersea, aviation, and cyber, but Caudle believes that a more integrated approach is needed to fully leverage these capabilities.

Caudle has envisioned a future where sailors working with unmanned systems can operate in a more seamless and efficient manner. “I can easily see a robotic and autonomous system commander, you know, as a first instantiation on the strike group staff,” he said. “Now I’ve got a strike commander, I got an integrated air missile defense, I’ve got a sea combat commander, I got an information warfare commander, and then, because of these capabilities, are certainly going to be across the main to advise that striker commander, best I can see a RAS commander too.”

The development of the RAS commander role is also closely tied to the Navy’s efforts to integrate unmanned systems into its existing command structure. According to Caudle, the service needs to develop a better understanding of how to assemble command and control of these forces through the administrative chain of command.

“We’re in this discovery phase of how we actually just now assemble command and control of these forces through the administrative chain of command so we can actually fill, maintain, sustain, and train sailors to actually bring these kind of capabilities to bear,” Caudle said. “We’re in a nascent journey of how I build ensembles together to solve key operational problems.”

The Navy’s push to integrate unmanned systems is driven by a range of factors, including the need for increased flexibility and adaptability on the battlefield. Unmanned systems offer a number of advantages, including reduced risk to personnel, improved situational awareness, and enhanced situational awareness.

However, integrating these systems into existing command structures poses significant challenges. Caudle acknowledged that developing an ensemble of RAS capabilities that can solve key operational problems is a complex task.

“It’s a challenge making an ensemble of these types of capabilities in a meaningful way that combatant commanders and Navy component commanders can ask for it in a way that solves one of their key operational problems,” Caudle said. “We don’t want this just to be a gadget, okay?”

Despite the challenges, Caudle remains optimistic about the potential benefits of integrating unmanned systems into the Navy’s fleet. He believes that the RAS commander role has the potential to transform the way the service operates and to provide new opportunities for sailors to serve.

“We’re not just talking about slapping some technology together and calling it a day,” Caudle said. “We’re talking about fundamentally changing the way we do business, and I think that’s really exciting.”

The development of the RAS commander role is expected to be an ongoing process, with the Navy continuing to refine its approach as it learns more about how to integrate unmanned systems into its command structure.

In addition to the RAS commander, the Navy is also exploring a range of other initiatives aimed at integrating unmanned systems into its command structure. These include the development of standardized command structures, as well as the creation of new training programs and exercises designed to prepare sailors for the challenges of working with unmanned systems.

The Navy’s efforts to integrate unmanned systems are also closely tied to broader trends in the defense industry, including the increasing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance military capabilities. While the Navy is not yet fully embracing these technologies, it is clear that they will play an increasingly important role in the service’s future plans.

Ultimately, the development of the RAS commander role and other initiatives aimed at integrating unmanned systems into the Navy’s fleet represents a major step forward for the service. By embracing this technology and developing new capabilities to support its operations, the Navy is poised to take significant steps forward in its efforts to stay ahead of emerging threats and to remain a dominant force on the battlefield.

The future of the Navy’s unmanned systems will be shaped by a range of factors, including technological advancements, changing operational requirements, and shifting priorities within the defense industry. As these forces continue to evolve, it is likely that the RAS commander role will play an increasingly important part in shaping the service’s future plans.

As the Navy continues to explore the potential of RAS capabilities, it is clear that the development of the RAS commander role is a key part of this effort. This new role has the potential to transform the way the service operates and to provide new opportunities for sailors to serve.