Navy Expands Autonomous Warfare Capabilities

Summary

Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle discusses NATO alliances, autonomous warfare capabilities, mine countermeasures, Arctic competition, and national security priorities with Bloomberg. He highlights the Navy's push into unmanned systems, the growing strategic importance of the Arctic and its resources, and the need to protect global sea lanes.

• NATO naval alliances are rock solid despite political noise; the US is shifting responsibilities to allies to focus on unique capabilities.
• Mine countermeasure warfare is extremely challenging; the Navy is moving toward unmanned undersea and surface vehicles to find and neutralize mines.
• The Navy is investing heavily in autonomous systems but is not yet where it wants to be; a first unmanned surface vehicle will soon deploy with a strike group.
• The Arctic is growing in importance due to trillions of dollars in rare earth, natural gas, and oil; increased presence and partnerships are needed.
• Russia seeks to control the Northern Sea Route, but the US and NATO will not allow charging for transit through international straits.
• Sea lanes, choke points, and undersea infrastructure (cables) are critical to commerce, and protecting them is a Navy priority.
• The Columbia-class submarine replacement for Ohio is vital for strategic nuclear deterrence and must remain on schedule.
• Cyber and space are emerging threat domains that the Navy is increasingly concerned about.