US Develops Underwater Drones Amid Rising Tensions with China

The United States has reportedly begun developing underwater drones in response to growing tensions and the potential threat of conflict with China.

A mysterious underwater drone was recently spotted at a naval base in California by a keen-eyed Google Maps user, showcasing the latest advancement in submarine warfare technology. This discovery has raised significant attention in the ongoing race for drone warfare dominance between the US, Russia, and China.

The drone in question, Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray, was identified at Port Hueneme naval base in California. Its sleek design, inspired by the manta ray fish, stands out as a unique innovation in uncrewed underwater vehicles. This marks a significant development in Western submarine warfare capabilities, as the US strives to maintain an edge in the expanding field of underwater drone technology.

The Manta Ray is primarily designed for intelligence gathering and safeguarding undersea infrastructure, such as cables and pipelines. It is capable of anchoring itself to the ocean floor and entering a low-power "hibernation" mode to conserve energy. Some reports suggest that it can travel over 10,000 nautical miles while carrying a payload of up to 10 tons.

While the Manta Ray remains unarmed, it is part of a broader trend of naval forces exploring unmanned systems for surveillance and detection missions. Unlike the US, other countries, like Russia and China, have been focused on developing more heavily armed underwater drones. Russia has revealed plans to acquire 30 Poseidon drones, which are torpedo-shaped robotic submarines capable of speeds up to 100 knots and potentially carrying nuclear warheads. Likewise, China has expanded its fleet of uncrewed sea vessels, including submarines, to protect underwater infrastructure and counter growing threats in the region.

The increasing importance of underwater drone technology is a direct response to rising concerns over the security of critical underwater infrastructure. High-profile incidents, such as the sabotage of Nord Stream gas pipelines and undersea cables, have intensified the focus on protecting these vital systems. Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the US Chief of Naval Operations, highlighted the importance of unmanned systems, noting their potential to significantly enhance combat capabilities.

The shift towards unmanned underwater vehicles is not limited to the US. Other nations are also exploring similar technologies. This 40-foot vessel, more traditionally shaped than the Manta Ray, has successfully demonstrated its ability to identify and track naval vessels before submerging undetected, highlighting the growing role of unmanned systems in modern naval warfare.

With concerns over underwater sabotage becoming more prevalent, the development of these underwater drones represents a critical step in ensuring the security of maritime operations and infrastructure in the face of rising geopolitical tensions.