The US Army tested coordinated crewed-uncrewed maritime operations using a Mk VI patrol boat, unmanned aircraft and autonomous surface vessels during Exercise Bayonet Quest 26, held across Michigan from September 26 to October 6.
The maritime phase included formation manoeuvres in which the crewed patrol boat led several autonomous surface craft. Fixed-wing unmanned aircraft also participated, with the patrol boat operating alongside both air and surface assets.
An unmanned aircraft was recovered on the patrol boat’s fantail while the vessel was still underway.
The army said soldiers assigned to the 7th Infantry Division (Multi-Domain Command – Pacific) tested autonomous drones during Bayonet Quest 26. Separate army footage showed autonomous system activity at Alpena, Michigan, on Friday, October 2.
The army has not confirmed those identifications or released a complete list of participating systems.
The Mk VI boat used in the tests belongs to a class of high-speed patrol craft designed for littoral operations. The boat is intended for maritime security patrols and shipping escort, as well as operations including visit, board, search and seizure missions.
