Software glitches plague US Navy drone programme

Pentagon still committed to billion-dollar effort despite setbacks

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The US Navy’s ambition to build a fleet of autonomous drones is running into major obstacles. Recent trials off the coast of California revealed software issues and communication failures that led to collisions between unmanned vessels, according to a new report by Reuters.

These incidents, involving prototypes from Saronic and BlackSea Technologies, highlight the complexity of developing reliable autonomous systems. Human error also played a role, underscoring the need for better training and improved coordination between onboard systems and external software.

The Navy’s pursuit of drones is driven by the growing threat from China, particularly in the Taiwan Strait. US military leaders are now considering autonomous ships that can operate independently and coordinate their maneuvers. However, developing these advanced systems is far more expensive than building simple remotely operated drones.

Beyond the technical challenges, the Navy’s autonomous drone procurement unit is facing internal unrest. The dismissal of the top admiral and concerns raised by a senior Pentagon official during a meeting with Navy leadership point to deeper issues within the programme.

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has suspended a contract with L3Harris, a supplier of autonomous software for some vessels, further highlighting the uncertainties surrounding the project.

Despite these setbacks, the Pentagon remains committed to accelerating its drone efforts through the $1 billion (€858 million) Replicator programme, which aims to acquire thousands of air and sea drones. However, skepticism from the new administration raises questions about the program’s future trajectory.

TechCentral Reporters

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