Both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the current attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are graphically illustrating the efficacy of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) in the maritime domain.
UAVs offer economical, high-endurance search, surveillance, and attack capabilities. Therefore, their use by naval forces has been increasing exponentially over the past decade. Naval planner now are turning their attention to the acquisition of dedicated UAV carriers.
As befits a nation that is evolving into a major naval force, Turkey has commissioned the Spanish-designed amphibious assault ship Anadolu, a platform optimised for the operation of the indigenous Krzilelma combat UAV. Ankara is facing major political difficulties in the acquisition of land-based warplanes and is therefore placing considerable emphasis upon this project.
Italy has been carrying out intensive trials of UAVs at sea, and has evolved a plan that should culminate in the construction of a specialised vessel capable of operating UAVs, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Construction of this potentially highly potent vessel is due to begin in 2029.
Washington also has major ambitions in respect of UAV operations at sea. There are plans for the US Navy's existing aircraft carrier fleet to be converted to enable future air groups to be comprised of 60 per cent UAVs to carry out interception, strike, reconnaissance, and refuelling duties.
Another project being studied is the construction of a fleet of small carriers specialised in the operation of both F-35B strike fighters and UAVs. To this end, the service is currently evaluating a number of new UAV designs.
The UK Royal Navy recently conducted successful trials of fixed wing UAVs including the Mojave combat UAV and logistics support vehicles. The trials were carried out from the aircraft carrier Prince of Wales.
Meanwhile, on the horizon is the highly classified Vixen project, which is intended to deliver a high performance attack UAV. Analysts believe that the service's two carriers will in due course be modified to operate significant numbers of UAVs as well as manned warplanes.
Portugal has not been a major maritime power for many years but is now set to be a leader the field of dedicated UAV carriers. Lisbon has awarded a contract to Damen of the Netherlands for the construction of a compact vessel that will feature a straight-through flight deck and an offset navigation island.
Russia is developing a number of UAVs and is reportedly planning to build a small carrier to operate maritime UAVs.
The Russians are currently constructing a pair of 20,000-tonne amphibious warfare vessels. These ships will feature large non-angled flight decks and an offset navigation island. They have obvious potential for the operation of UAVs as as well as helicopters.
For its part, France seems to be pursuing a somewhat different course. Intensive trials of UAVs are being held, including their operation from the flight decks of frigates and destroyers. The plan is to build a new class of advanced escorts with each ship being capable of operating one or more UAVs.
China is pursuing a programme of multiple UAV trials, and there have been recent sightings of a dedicated Chinese UAV carrier. This catamaran ship, which has been observed exercising with other Chinese warships, features multiple landing spots.
UAVs are set to become a vital element of future naval operations and the requirement for vessels dedicated to their support and deployment is certain to increase. It would be surprising if more major maritime forces, such as the Royal Australian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force, were not to acquire such assets in due course.
