Navy to Deploy Drone Boats This Year, Official Says

January 16, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1768591290256-2003

Navy Unveils Plans for Medium Displacement Uncrewed Surface Vessels

The US Navy is set to deploy two medium-sized drone boats this year, according to Capt. Garrett Miller. The drones, known as MDUSVs, will be under fleet control and assigned to surface forces. One of the drones will deploy with a carrier strike group in 2026. Breaking Defense reports that the Navy plans to stand up three ’early command’ USV divisions next week. By 2030, the Navy expects to have over 30 MDUSVs in its inventory. The development may signal a shift towards unmanned operations and raises questions about the future of manned ships.

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Key Takeaways

The Navy will deploy two medium-sized drone boats this year.
The drones will be under fleet control and assigned to surface forces.
One of the drones will deploy with a carrier strike group in 2026.

Leidos

Strategic Implications

This development may indicate the Navy’s growing investment in unmanned technologies. The deployment of drone boats could enhance maritime capabilities, but also raises questions about the role of manned ships and the integration of autonomous systems. The Navy’s plans for exponential growth of unmanned systems by 2045 suggests a significant shift towards unmanned operations.