Congress unsure about U.S. Navy plans for a range of unmanned surface vessels and large unmanned submarines
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy wants $464 million for unmanned surface vessels, but Congress is not on the same page. C4ISRnet reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
28 July 2020 -- Legislators have declined to fund the massive investment into research and development for large and medium unmanned surface vessels as they work through the annual defense bill, citing the request as “excessive procurement ahead of satisfactory testing.”
Among other things, that budget request would give the Navy $239 million to purchase two Overlord large unmanned surface vehicle (LUSV) prototypes for testing.
In a report from Congress on the bill issued by the Senate Armed Services Committee, lawmakers argued that the Navy already has the LUSVs that can fill the Strategic Capabilities Office’s needs in this area. But perhaps more importantly, the committee members do not seem convinced that LUSVs are ready for prime time.
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
