Outdated Strategies and the Need for a Paradigm Shift
The United States Navy faces a critical juncture. Current capabilities are insufficient for sustained operations in multiple theaters, hampered by limited munitions, insufficient ships and personnel, and a reliance on outdated shipbuilding practices rooted in World War II and Cold War doctrines. This comprehensive analysis argues for a radical transformation of naval strategy and technology.
From Monolithic Vessels to Mass-Produced Autonomous Systems
The core of this proposed transformation involves a decisive shift away from large, expensive platforms towards mass-produced, customizable autonomous systems. This strategy leverages advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and distributed lethality. Crucially, it necessitates a cultural shift within the Navy, recognizing software programmers as essential partners alongside sailors.
The Rise of Unmanned Naval Vessels: A Faster Adoption Curve
Unmanned surface and subsurface vessels are poised for rapid adoption, surpassing the trajectory of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) a decade ago. This accelerated adoption is driven by two key factors: the rapid development of AI and the lessons learned from UAV development.
Rethinking Naval Fleet Size and Composition
The Navy should abandon the unrealistic goal of a 355-ship fleet and instead focus on deploying tens of thousands of smaller, mostly autonomous vessels. These vessels will be specialized for specific mission sets, leveraging the benefits of modularity and customization. This strategy aligns perfectly with the White House’s announced shipbuilding overhaul, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in this emerging technology.
Miniaturizing the Surface Fleet: A Cost-Effective Approach to Coastal Defense
The Navy must also miniaturize its surface fleet. Deploying swarms of smaller, modular vessels like patrol boats and gunboats near coastlines provides a cost-effective deterrent and fast-response force, particularly in contested waters. This approach, combined with thousands of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), such as the Orca submarine currently under development, will ensure a persistent presence in contested areas.
The End of Manned Naval Aircraft: A Necessary Transition
The era of manned naval aircraft should end. The dependence on large aircraft carriers and their associated support vessels must be overcome. Transitioning to a larger fleet of smaller, autonomous surface and subsurface drones provides substantial force multiplication for surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics support. The cancellation of the F/A-XX program, coupled with investment in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), is a critical aspect of this change. UAS will significantly enhance naval operations without the risks associated with manned vessels. While longer-range operations may require larger UAS, they will still be smaller than their manned counterparts.
Embracing Mass Production: The Path to Naval Dominance
The Navy must overcome its mindset of scarcity. By mobilizing the manufacturing base and providing adequate funding, the Navy should aim for the production of millions of drones annually, gradually increasing in size and sophistication over time. This is achievable; the production of hundreds of thousands of aircraft during World War II proves that mass production of complex systems is possible.
Conclusion: A Necessary and Achievable Transformation
A complete shift towards mass production, customization, and the integration of autonomous systems and AI is imperative for maintaining U.S. maritime dominance. This transformation is not only necessary but also affordable and achievable. The U.S. Congress, entrusted with providing and maintaining a Navy, must provide the necessary funding, flexibility, and support to implement these vital changes. The alternative – inaction – is simply unacceptable.
