The United States Navy ushered in a new era in naval warfare technology this month with two groundbreaking tests of its weapons systems, scheduled for June to “accelerate the development and procurement of future unmanned surface vessels.” Future Unmanned Surface Ship Industry Day The Navy aims to strengthen its current fleet with autonomous systems and hypersonic weapons.
A New Era in Hypersonic Missile Technology: Cold Gas Launch
Naval Forces Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), First sea-based cold gas launch approach of Conventional Fast Attack (CPS) hypersonic missile on May 2, 2025 This test represents a significant innovation in sea-based hypersonic missile launch methods.
In traditional hot launch methods, the missile engine is ignited in the launch silo, while in the cold gas technique, the missile is launched through a gas system before the engine first stage ignition and the engine is activated after it reaches a safe distance from the ship. According to the Navy, this method will become the standard for launching hypersonic missiles from ships at sea. “The cold gas approach allows the Navy to launch the missile from the platform and reach a safe distance above the ship before the first stage ignition,” said Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe, Director of Strategic Systems Programs. This method both increases ship safety and allows launch systems to be more flexible and modular.
Successful Launch of SFIRR Missile from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
The CPS missile was tested for the first time from an unmanned aerial vehicle operated by the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD). Solid Fuel Integrated Ramjet Rocket (SFIRR) launch This test demonstrates the potential for use of unmanned platforms in future air-to-air and air-to-ground missile systems.
The unmanned vehicle launch test also tested live-fire control on a BQM-34 target vehicle, demonstrating maneuverability, control and long-range accuracy. “This successful integration validates key aspects of our design and brings us closer to delivering an advanced propulsion system that will provide the warfighter with increased range and speed,” Abbey Horning, product director in NAWCWD’s Advanced Concepts, Prototyping and Experimentation office, said in a news release. Horning added that this project is not just revisiting an old idea, but evolving and modernizing it to fit today’s mission.
Industry Day for Unmanned Surface Vessels of the Future
In line with the Navy’s aim to strengthen its current fleet by including unmanned vessels, An industry day for the Future Unmanned Surface Vessel Program in Washington on June 17 The event aims to bring together industry leaders and innovators to accelerate the development and supply of unmanned marine systems.
According to a special statement, the unmanned craft on display will be an “open ocean, 25+ knot, high endurance, imperfect, autonomous vessel” that will also be “built to commercial standards.” These features demonstrate that the Navy has high expectations for unmanned platforms and is focused on cost-effective, flexible solutions. Unmanned surface vessels can be used in a variety of roles, including reconnaissance, surveillance, minesweeping, and even unmanned combat missions, reducing the burden on manned vessels and minimizing threats to personnel in risky operations.
The Changing Paradigm in Naval Warfare Strategies
These tests and strategic steps towards unmanned platforms indicate that the US Navy is preparing for a significant paradigm shift in its future naval warfare strategies. While hypersonic missiles increase deterrence and rapid attack capabilities, unmanned systems aim for operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This integrated approach will help the Navy maintain its superiority in the global security environment.
These developments are not only a technological leap in the field of naval warfare, but also a redefinition of operational concepts. The proliferation of unmanned systems will reduce the dependence of naval forces on human resources, while providing the opportunity to conduct reconnaissance and operations in wider areas and for longer periods. Future naval warfare seems to be shaped by the integrated use of autonomous systems and advanced weapons technologies.
