Full Breakdown
Advancements in Unmanned Systems: Insights from Recent Naval Technology Exercises
9/18/2025, 12:33:06 PM
Overview of the Coastal Trident Exercise
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) hosted the Coastal Trident series of Advanced Naval Technology Exercises (ANTX-CT) from August 4 to 8, 2023, at the Port of Hueneme and the Fathomwerx Lab. This event, part of a series that includes over a dozen demonstrations each year, provided a controlled environment for industry participants to conduct field experiments with unmanned and autonomous systems.
Key Demonstrations and Technologies
During the recent exercise, eight companies showcased their technologies, focusing on cooperative port and maritime security missions utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). Brendan Applegate, NSWC PHD’s principal investigator for the ANTX-CT program, noted that the event allowed industry members to operate independently and collaborate effectively. The demonstrations included the use of NODA AI Inc.'s autonomy software, URZA, which facilitated communication among various drones during a contested logistics resupply scenario.
The exercise featured unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of providing overwatch and target detection. These UAVs, equipped with recognition software, could identify and classify vessels on the water's surface, relaying critical data back to NODA AI. Additionally, Andrenam deployed an AI-powered maritime sensing system attached to buoys, which could detect unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs) and larger surface vessels from significant distances.
Official Statements and Outcomes
Brendan Applegate expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “We were largely successful in supporting and achieving the planned objectives.” He emphasized the learning environment established during the exercise, which provided the Navy with valuable insights into developing capabilities. The event underscored the importance of integrating advanced technologies into naval operations to enhance maritime security.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite the successes, some challenges were noted. Applegate acknowledged that environmental factors sometimes hindered the completion of all planned missions, indicating that while the objectives were largely met, not every scenario could be fully explored.
Future Implications and What's Next
The Coastal Trident exercise is part of a broader trend in military operations focusing on the integration of unmanned systems. As nations increasingly prioritize maritime security, the insights gained from such exercises will likely influence future naval strategies and technology development. The ongoing collaboration between industry and military entities aims to accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness in maritime environments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were largely successful in supporting and achieving the planned objectives,” — Brendan Applegate, NSWC PHD Principal Investigator
- “While the environment always gets a say and forces you to leave some missions on the table, the learning environment we established gave the Navy an excellent look at important developing capabilities.” — Brendan Applegate, NSWC PHD Principal Investigator
This exercise not only highlights the advancements in unmanned systems but also sets the stage for future innovations in naval warfare and security operations.