The Royal Navy has experimented with naval drones for several years—and has recently developed the “Rattler,” an unmanned boat capable of remote operation from hundreds of miles away.

Chilling scenes have seen a Royal Navy warship swarmed by drone boats. Five uncrewed boats remotely piloted from 500 miles away surrounded HMS Tyne in a demonstration of how the Royal Navy could utilise such technology on operations.

By the 2030s, the world’s oceans may become as transparent to sensors as the skies became to radar in the 20th century. With help from AI, multiple transmitters and receivers – mounted on ships, aircraft and USVs – will be able to triangulate the positions of submarines in real time.

Lockheed Martin has announced a $50 million investment in Saildrone, a global leader in maritime autonomous systems. Image: Saildrone This strategic col