Enhancing Integrated Air and Missile Defense with Unmanned Maritime Vessels
Over the coming years, Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) will be critical in enhancing U.S. national defense capabilities. These systems, combined with advanced technologies like unmanned and autonomous maritime vessels, offer unique advantages in surveillance, interception, and operational efficiency.
By harnessing Saab’s trusted legacy of innovation and partnership, these assets become indispensable in defending U.S. interests.
This is more than just innovation for the sake of innovation. Saab, Inc. is dedicated to building tools that provide solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, now and in the future, collaborating across industry, government, and academic institutions to create the best possible products for end-users.
Autonomous Maritime Vessels Expand Surveillance Reach and Interception Capabilities
Unmanned and autonomous maritime vessels significantly enhance the situational awareness of IAMD and C-UAS systems. Equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, these vessels monitor airspace and maritime activity in real-time, even in remote or high-risk zones. Their ability to remain deployed for extended periods without significant human intervention ensures continuous surveillance of critical areas.
These vessels detect and track incoming missile threats or hostile aircraft effectively, providing crucial early-warning capabilities. This can make the difference between effective interception and compromised defense.
Autonomous surface or subsurface vehicles equipped with missile launchers or directed-energy weapons act as forward-deployed assets, intercepting threats closer to their origin. Their mobility optimizes interception geometry, reducing the burden on land-based systems and multi-role ballistic missile defense ships, while minimizing risk to human life.
Improving Network-Centric Defense Integration and Strategic Positioning
Through secure communication links, autonomous maritime vessels share data seamlessly with a federated Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) network involving satellites, aircraft, land-based radars, and allied systems. This integrated network enables a cohesive, multi-layered response to evolving threats. Saab’s expertise in integrating autonomous systems ensures these vessels enhance, rather than disrupt, existing defense ecosystems.
Deploying unmanned maritime vessels also bolsters the United States' strategic position. These advanced platforms signal technological superiority and operational readiness, deterring adversaries while reinforcing alliances.
Addressing Challenges and Delivering Solutions
Every technological advancement brings challenges. Saab is dedicated to tackling these issues head-on to deliver solutions that balance innovation with reliability. Anticipated challenges for unmanned maritime vessels include:
- Managing cybersecurity risks
- Balancing costs with strategic value
- Navigating legal and ethical concerns
- Enhancing durability in maritime environments
- Avoiding overreliance on unproven technologies
Ethical concerns, particularly in the defense sector, require clear guidelines and responsible AI frameworks.
Saab is at the forefront of this process. Through an ongoing project with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Saab and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have partnered to contribute to the Autonomy Standards and Ideals with Military Operational Values (ASIMOV) program. ASIMOV seeks to provide a foundation for evaluating the ethical dimensions of autonomy within the context of military operational values. To address the program goals, Saab and MIT are developing the RESPECT (Responsible Ethical Standards for Pioneering Effective Combat Technologies) framework.
Human oversight is critical in decision-making processes, particularly in the use of lethal force. A balance between automation and human control is key to maintaining accountability and public trust.
Looking forward
Unmanned and autonomous maritime vessels represent a pivotal advancement in Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems. Offering unparalleled benefits in surveillance, interception, and cost efficiency, they complement traditional systems to create a resilient, networked, and future-ready defense posture.
Saab’s legacy of innovation and partnership ensures that these challenges are met with robust solutions tailored to meet the long-term needs of its partners.