Unmanned Maritime Vessels

Unmanned Maritime Vessels

commentary
Revive the Ram
In the face of aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels, the U.S. Navy can brandish ramming USVs as a capability to inhibit threats while limiting the risk of escalation. These relatively simple, inexpensive vehicles could be used alongside a variety of nonlethal weapons to manage confrontations, giving commanders more options as they attempt to prevent China from dominating the seas.
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Jun 22, 2023
RealClearDefense
Scott Savitz

Taiwan

commentary
Waiting to Impale: Defending Taiwan with Artificial Reefs
Deterring a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is arguably the most important defense problem of the next few decades. Artificial reefs could help to deter China simply by waiting to impale any potential invasion force.
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May 10, 2023
RealClearDefense
Scott Savitz
Military Technology

commentary
Coast Guard Leans Forward in New UxS Strategy but Faces Significant Challenges
The rise of unmanned systems creates a challenging landscape for the U.S. Coast Guard as it endeavors to conduct its diverse missions in the future. To address emerging technologies and prepare for forthcoming threats, the service recently released a strategic plan.
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May 3, 2023
The RAND Blog
Eric Cooper, Scott Savitz
Ukraine

commentary
Why Blockading Rather Than Retaking Crimea Might Be Kyiv's Best Option
Ukraine may lack the military capability to retake Crimea from Russia. But Kyiv might still achieve some of its key objectives by blockading the peninsula. New technology may ease this task.
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Apr 10, 2023
The Moscow Times
Scott Savitz, William Courtney @courtneywmh
Military Ships and Naval Vessels

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How Big of a Fleet? A Look at the U.S. Navy's Size and Readiness Needs
Congress is trying to nudge the Navy to expand the size of the fleet. But without comparable levels of funding for personnel, maintenance, technology upgrades, logistics and other support functions, a larger fleet could come at the cost of readiness.
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Jan 11, 2023
Defense News
Bradley Martin, Scott Savitz
Unmanned Maritime Vessels

commentary
Could Taiwan Defend with Uncrewed Surface Vessels?
Ukraine has demonstrated the ability of explosive uncrewed surface vessels to target ships. These weapons could play a role in preventing Chinese forces from successfully invading Taiwan in potential future scenarios.
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Jan 9, 2023
RealClearDefense
Scott Savitz
Unmanned Maritime Vessels

commentary
The Age of Uncrewed Surface Vessels
A new age of naval warfare has been inaugurated in the Black Sea, defined by an emerging weapon. Uncrewed surface vessels could become a centerpiece of naval warfare in the coming decades, one that navies may ignore at their peril.
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Nov 15, 2022
The RAND Blog
Scott Savitz
Military Strategy

commentary
Beware the Explosive Vessels
The initial explosion that damaged the Kerch Strait Bridge may have come from an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). If it was indeed caused by a USV, it could be a portent of future warfare. Military and homeland security authorities may need to anticipate the potential use of USVs by adversaries or terrorists.
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Oct 20, 2022
RealClearDefense
Scott Savitz
Military Budgets and Defense Spending

commentary
Why It Makes Sense to Keep Mine-Hunting Dolphins on the Navy's Payroll
Mine-hunting dolphins—none of whom have ever been harmed by a mine—make the seas safer for naval ships and other vessels. Yet budget cuts could spell the end of the program that trains them.
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Jul 22, 2022
Los Angeles Times
Scott Savitz

Quoted

Beyond helping to meet Los Angeles' ambitious housing production goals, adaptive reuse conversions can provide a more-stable source of property tax revenue because the housing sector is much more insulated from factors such as remote work and other economic shocks affecting the office sector. And they can also help to maintain office prices through a reduction in supply. Both of these forces could place city and county finances at less future risk.

Jason M. Ward

Associate Director, RAND Center on Housing and Homelessness in Los Angeles

Source: Los Angeles Times

When faced with an adversary who threatens to ram or shoulder your ship, ramming in return is a proportional response. An agile, speedy unmanned surface vehicle roaming near your ship whose sole purpose is to be ready to ram an aggressor would constitute an effective deterrent.

Scott Savitz

Senior Engineer

Source: RealClearDefense

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Unmanned Maritime Vessels

Revive the Ram

Waiting to Impale: Defending Taiwan with Artificial Reefs

Coast Guard Leans Forward in New UxS Strategy but Faces Significant Challenges

Why Blockading Rather Than Retaking Crimea Might Be Kyiv's Best Option

How Big of a Fleet? A Look at the U.S. Navy's Size and Readiness Needs

Could Taiwan Defend with Uncrewed Surface Vessels?

The Age of Uncrewed Surface Vessels

Beware the Explosive Vessels

Why It Makes Sense to Keep Mine-Hunting Dolphins on the Navy's Payroll

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