Unmanned autonomous systems: How naval warfare is poised for a major transformation

Unmanned autonomous systems: How naval warfare is poised for a major transformationTOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jul 04, 2026, 18:09 ISTCommentsShareAA+Text SizeSmallMediumLarge A V-Bat drone, similar to the one made by JSW group, takes off from a ship. (image credit: Sheild AI) The Indian Navy’s recent Request for Information (RFI) for Tactical Multi-Copter Surveillance Drones marks a significant step to further integrate unmanned systems into maritime security.

These drones are designed to provide persistent surveillance of naval bases and coastal installations, around the clock in challenging environments. Equipped with stabilized electro-optical and infrared cameras, automatic target tracking, and anti-jamming technology, these systems will provide the navy real-time intelligence.This RFI was quickly followed by the Defence Acquisition Council’s approval of a Rs 52,000 crore procurement plan, which gave in principle clearance for the procurement of Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS).

Which clears the way for the navy to procure runway independent drones that can operate from the small helicopter deck of a warship that may be pitching and rolling in rough seas. The army had earlier this year ordered the V-Bat runway independent drone that can be deployed from any location. This Unmanned Aerial System is built in India by the JSW group.

This drone has been tested on ships and could offer the navy an indigenously assembled option.At the same time, the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) is developing a high endurance autonomous underwater vehicle. This still underdevelopment unmanned system is expected to provide the navy options in anti-submarine warfare, mine counter measure and surveillance among other type of operations.

At the same time the US Navy too is operating and planning to integrate a number of unmanned systems across domains ranging from air, surface and sub-surface environments. The US Navy employed unmanned submarine autonomous systems in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran shut down the critical waterway. The Americans have also been using unmanned aircraft from the decks of their surface combatants as well as from their aircraft carriers.

The British Royal Navy recently trialed the Nyan one-way effector drone, a ship-launched kamikaze system. This experiment is part of the UK’s ambition to build a “hybrid fleet” where crewed ships operate alongside swarms of uncrewed platforms. The Defense Investment Plan unveiled in London underscores this shift, highlighting drones as essential to future naval combat.

These developments suggest that unmanned systems are poised to transform naval warfare. Unmanned systems will reduce risk to personnel and enable new tactics such as distributed surveillance, surveillance and electronic warfare. The integration of unmanned systems will provide control over critical maritime corridors.

Navies worldwide are moving toward a future where unmanned systems are not just force multipliers but central to how conflicts will be fought at sea.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics.

The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."Read MoreEnd of ArticleTired of too many ads?go ad free nowArsenalMissilesTanksGunsSubmarinesRS-28 Sarmat Satan IIMissilesRS-28 Sarmat Satan IIRussiaTrident II D5USALGM-30G Minuteman IIIUSARS-24 YarsRussiaM51.

3FranceAgni-VIndiaHwasong-17N. KoreaRT-2PM2 Topol-MRussiaJulang-2ChinaAgni-VIndiaAgni-PIndiaK-4IndiaBrahMosIndiaPralayIndiaNirbhayIndiaAkash-NGIndiaAstra Mk2IndiaRudram-1IndiaMR-SAMIndiaIron Dome TamirIsraelDavid's Sling StunnerIsraelArrow 2IsraelArrow 3IsraelJericho IIIIsraelLORAIsraelDelilahIsraelPopeye Turbo ALCMIsraelSpike NLOSIsraelPython 5IsraelDerbyIsraelPatriot PAC-3 MSEUSATHAADUSASM-3 Block IIAUSASM-6USATomahawk Block VUSAJASSM-ERUSAAIM-120D AMRAAMUSABGM-109 Tomahawk Block IVUSAShahab-3IranEmadIranSejjil-2IranKheibar ShekanIranFattah-1IranSoumarIranPavehIranNoorIranKhalij FarsIranShahed-136IranBavar-373 IranFateh-110IranRussiaMissileRS-28 Sarmat Satan IIService Start2023Service EndPresentRange18000 kmCompare Across MissilesDefence Videos 08:03 Iran Expands War Threat: Bab Al Mandeb, Aramco, Yanbu, Fujairah Now In Direct Conflict Line 10:57 Iran Rejects Talks After US Fires On Sanctioned Cargo Ship Touska, Says ‘Blockade Main Obstacle’ 08:01 NATO IS DEAD? Europe KICKS U.

S. O