UNMANNED

Campaign Framework

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

March 16th, 2021
Message from the Secretary of the Navy 1

Message from the Chief of Naval Operations 2

Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps 3

Part I THE MISSION — Why Unmanned? 4

Introduction 6

Why a Campaign? 8

Executing the Campaign POA&M 9

Why Unmanned? 10

Alignment to the National Defense Strategy 11

Part II UNMANNED PORTFOLIO — Where Are We Now? 12

Air Portfolio 14

Surface Portfolio 15

Undersea Portfolio 16

Ground Portfolio 17

Unmanned Areas of Opportunity 18

Part III DELIVERING THE FUTURE — How Will We Get There? 20

Challenges 22

Building a Credible Plan and Future 23

Changing the Narrative 24

De-risking the Development of Technology 26

Providing Total Solutions 27

A Nationwide Approach 28

Industry and Academia 29

Allies and Partners 30

Legal, Policy, and Ethical Considerations 31

Exploring Opportunities 33

Appendix A: Unmanned Portfolio 34

Glossary 36

CONTENTS

A Knifefish Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) training model undergoes crane 

operations aboard the Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS 

Spearhead (T-EPF 1).

Cover: U.S. Navy photo illustration by Jason Kennickell

(This is a computer-generated illustration)
Message from the Secretary of the Navy

The Department of the Navy is moving with 

purpose to innovate and adapt new technology to 

build a more lethal and distributed naval force for 

the future. To compete and win in an era of great 

power competition, the Department is committed to 

investing in advanced autonomy, robust networks, 

and unmanned systems to create true integrated 

human-machine teaming that is ubiquitous across 

the fleet. 

These sustained investments will yield new 

capabilities extending well beyond the effectiveness 

of standalone platforms or human-centered systems. 

They will transform naval warfare by providing 

asymmetric advantages to each and every Sailor 

and Marine.

The Navy and Marine Corps have now taken the 

next step by aligning our unmanned systems vision 

to execute Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) 

and Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment 

(LOCE). To ensure success, the Navy and Marine 

Corps are tightly coupling our requirements, 

resources, and acquisition policies to develop, 

build, integrate and deploy effective unmanned 

systems faster. 

The Department of the Navy’s unmanned campaign 

plan spans the entire doctrine, organization, training, 

materiel solutions, leadership and education, 

personnel, facilities and policy construct. This 

document provides the overarching framework for 

the campaign plan, and is supported by detailed 

implementation plans at a higher classification. 

Together, they outline a concrete strategy rooted in a 

realistic assessment of each domain today. The path 

forward requires a holistic approach to developing 

and deploying unmanned systems, ensuring that 

individual technologies can operate within a broader 

architecture of networked warfighting systems, 

supported by the right people, policies, operational 

concepts, and other enablers. 

The entire Naval enterprise is committed to providing 

our nation and every Sailor and Marine with the 

strategic and tactical advantages that humanmachine teaming provides to guarantee freedom of 

the seas for all.

THOMAS W. HARKER

Secretary of the Navy (Acting)

U.S. Navy Sailors and civil service mariners launch an 

unmanned surface vehicle (USV) from USNS Hershel 

Woody Williams, September 14, 2019.

1

Unmanned Campaign Framework
Message from the Chief of Naval Operations

M. M. GILDAY

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Chief of Naval Operations

As the Navy adapts to an increasingly complex 

security environment, it is imperative that we 

understand what our future force will need to 

operate both in day-to-day competition as well as a 

high-end fight. 

Unmanned Systems (UxS) have and will continue 

to play a key part in future Distributed Maritime 

Operations (DMO), and there is a clear need to 

field affordable, lethal, scalable, and connected 

capabilities. That is why the Navy is expanding and 

developing a range of unmanned aerial vehicles 

(UAV), unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV), and 

unmanned surface vessels (USV) that will play 

key roles as we shift our focus toward smaller 

platforms that operate in a more dispersed manner.

A hybrid fleet will be necessary for the Navy to meet 

emerging security concerns. We need platforms to 

deliver lethal and non-lethal effects simultaneously 

in all domains across multiple axes. UxS will provide 

added capacity in our Future Fleet — in the air, on 

the surface, and under the water. 

The campaign plan will serve as the comprehensive 

strategy for realizing a future where unmanned 

systems serve as an integral part of the Navy’s 

warfighting team. It will be a living, iterative 

document that articulates our vision for a more 

ready, lethal, and capable fleet through acceleration 

of critical enablers in technology, processes, 

and partnerships. 

We are mindful of past shortcomings, so therefore 

our approach is deliberate, but with a sense of 

urgency. We will address every aspect of Doctrine, 

Organization, Training, materiel, Leadership 

and Education, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy 

(DOTmLPF-P), identify and close capability gaps, 

and work to create and maintain our future naval 

force, together. 

MQ-25 T1 with Aerial Refueling Store under left 

wing, on the ramp.

2

Unmanned Campaign Framework
Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps

The speed with which unmanned technology 

is available to U.S., allied, and adversary forces 

requires that we have both a vision and roadmap 

for maximizing this capability. The Marine Corps 

requires unmanned air, surface, and ground 

systems to fully exploit our inherent expeditionary 

nature and capabilities. Partnered with our 

shipmates in the Navy, we will provide a Joint Force 

Maritime Component Command that supports 

the Joint Force in the unique maritime domain we 

inhabit. When operating forward, in small groups, 

under austere conditions, the ability to maximize 

unmanned systems to create outsized effects 

for our allies and against our adversaries is a key 

element of our future success.

The campaign plan serves as a starting point for 

the Marine Corps to understand that unmanned 

systems must and will take on greater importance 

in our near future. Concepts such as half of our 

aviation fleet being unmanned in the near- to midterm, or most of our expeditionary logistics being 

unmanned in the near- to mid-term should not 

frighten anyone. Rather, these ideas should ignite 

the creative and cunning nature of our Marines so 

that our forward-deployed forces are even more 

lethal and useful to the joint force. 

Together with the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), 

I am committed to a deliberate, but aggressive 

pathway forward for Marine Corps unmanned 

systems. This document offers the initial sight 

picture and depends on an iterative discussion 

with the Fleet Marine Force, our Shipmates, the 

Joint Force, Congress, allies, and industry. I expect 

Marines to embrace this future of warfare and turn 

it to their advantage on the battlefield; from daily 

competition to large-scale combat operations. 

DAVID H. BERGER

General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commandant of the Marine Corps

A VBAT vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned 

aerial system (UAS) prepares to land on the flight deck 

of a naval ship.

3

Unmanned Campaign Framework
 PART I: The Mission

Part I

THE MISSION

Why Unmanned?
 PART I: The Mission

A U.S. Marine conducts an operations check on a 310 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) on 

Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 11, 2020.
 PART I: The Mission

The National Defense Strategy (NDS) defines “the 

central challenge to U.S. prosperity and security as 

the reemergence of long-term, strategic competition” 

posed by Russia and China. It emphasizes that, 

“America’s military has no preordained right to victory 

on the battlefield.” The developing abilities of nearpeer competitors drive the need for increased Naval

capability distributed over a wider area. In order 

to meet the challenges of the future and align 

with strategic goals defined in the Tri-Service 

Maritime Strategy, the CNO’s Navigation Plan, and 

the Commandant’s Planning Guidance, the Navy 

and Marine Corps must innovate and accelerate 

delivery of credible and reliable unmanned systems 

in conjunction with increasingly capable manned 

platforms into the fleet.

Autonomous systems provide additional warfighting 

capability and capacity to augment our traditional 

combatant force, allowing the option to take on 

greater operational risk while maintaining a tactical 

and strategic advantage. The Navy and Marine 

Corps are already operating unmanned systems, 

and going forward will seek to achieve a seamlessly 

integrated manned-unmanned force across all 

domains. The question is not “if” the Naval force will 

prioritize and leverage unmanned platforms and 

systems, but how quickly and efficiently, in resourceconstrained environments.

New technologies have changed society and the 

character of war. Many technological developments 

are sourced in the commercial sector which means 

competitors and non-state actors can access them. 

Maintaining the Department’s technological advantage 

will require deeper understanding of and integration with 

industry culture, better leveraging of unique investment 

sources, and enhanced protection across the National 

Security Innovation Base. In order for the Department to 

deliver unmanned capability at the speed of technology

in an environment of competing budget priorities, the 

DON has created an Unmanned Campaign Plan that 

will create a collaborative and actionable effort, focused 

on delivering and sustaining manned unmanned 

teaming for the future maritime fight. This campaign 

plan is comprised of two elements, the framework 

which contains overall concepts and strategies, and 

the execution plan of action and milestones (POA&M) 

that ensures collaboration across Naval Forces to 

determine how unmanned systems will fit into the future 

fleet, and maximizes the value that they will provide for 

national security. 

Unmanned systems will increase lethality, capacity, 

survivability, operational tempo, deterrence, and 

operational readiness. The Navy and Marine Corps must 

use tried and true measures of program development, 

such as the Navy’s AEGIS Program, where Rear Admiral 

Wayne E. Meyer, established a philosophy of “Build a Little, 

Test a Little, and Learn a Lot.” Through this philosophy the 

Department will move as quickly as technology allows, 

to develop and field proven capabilities to maintain a 

strategic and tactical advantage.

Field radio operator, assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, 

prepares to launch the RQ-20 Puma for a surveillance mission at San Clemente Island, California.

Introduction

6

Unmanned Campaign Framework
 PART I: The Mission

Remote 

Operated

Human 

Supervised

Near-Independent 

Autonomy

Human

Operated

Traditional Manned 

Ships and Aircraft

Operations Center 

Monitors LBS Glider

Human-Machine 

Teaming

MQ-25 and UCAS 

Autonomous 

Carrier Landing

Remote Piloting an 

Unmanned Aircraft 

System

USV Executing 

Independent Mission 

in Set Operating Box

High Low

Operate in Ethical, Legal, and Appropriate Manner Regardless of Autonomy

High

Low

Human Dependence

Autonomy Dependence

Addressing Unmanned Systems - What are we talking about?

Different missions call for different amounts of human-machine interdependence. “Unmanned“ refers 

to the spectrum of autonomy from remote to autonomous and can be platform, system, or subsystem 

specific. The Navy and Marine Corps will incorporate autonomy where it is desired, credible, reliable, and 

effective; additionally, they will always adhere to legal and ethical foundations.

The essence of unmanned is the physical removal or remote location of the human from the platform. 

Autonomy gives capable machines the ability to adapt interactively to the dynamic maritime 

environment. This is critical when:

^ The world cannot be predicted

^ Adaptation must occur at machine speed

^ Adaptation must occur in the face of 

overwhelming data

^ Communications are limited or unreliable

7

Unmanned Campaign Framework
 PART I: The Mission

VISION

Make unmanned systems a trusted and sustainable part of the Naval 

force structure, integrated at speed to provide lethal, survivable, and 

scalable effects in support of the future maritime mission.

GOALS

Create a capabilitycentric and sustainable 

approach for unmanned 

contributions (platforms, 

systems, subsystems) to 

the force.

Disaggregate 

common problems, 

solve once, and 

scale solutions 

across platforms 

and domains.

Incentivize rapid 

incremental 

development and 

testing cycles for 

unmanned systems.

Build a digital 

infrastructure that 

integrates and 

adopts unmanned 

capabilities at 

speed and scale.

Advance mannedunmanned teaming 

within the full range 

of Naval and joint 

operations.

Why a Campaign?

It is imperative that we employ new and different 

strategies to win the future fight. Unmanned concepts 

allow us to rewrite the narrative on traditional warfare. 

Through a capabilities-based approach we can build a 

future where unmanned systems are at the front lines 

of our competitive advantage. The Naval force needs to 

move toward a capability-centric proactive environment 

able to incorporate unmanned systems at the speed of 

technology, to provide maximum agility to the future force.

What needs to change?

Department of Navy (DON) leadership will generate 

a forum for executing transparent efforts to drive 

the advancement of unmanned and autonomous 

solutions. The campaign articulates the strategy, 

provides a framework for execution, and accelerates 

critical enablers in technology, process, policy, and 

partnerships. The campaign will work with partner 

projects that help integrate all Naval systems, such as 

Project Overmatch, the Naval Tactical Grid and Joint AllDomain Command and Control (JADC2). As networks 

and foundations grow, unmanned systems will be 

designed to integrate seamlessly. Leadership will focus 

on resourcing and building an environment that can 

partner with industry, apply resources, and accelerate 

development in a synchronized and deliberate way.

How will the campaign contribute to change?

Sea Hunter, an unmanned sea surface vehicle developed 

in partnership between the Office of Naval Research and 

the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

8

Unmanned Campaign Framework
 PART I: The Mission

Executing the Campaign POA&M

The leadership team will use the POA&M to drive 

the Department through a cultural and technological 

behavior change to accelerate development and a 

broader adoption of unmanned systems across the 

Force. Driving behavioral change will focus on: 

• Transition from reporting activity to driving action 

on high-leverage outcomes that solve operational 

problems and increase capability.

• Increased confidence in data-driven cause and 

effect relationships.

The Campaign is focused around eight functional areas that will ensure a complete and holistic approach 

to delivering capabilities to the fleet:

A vision alone will not bring about change. The 

Campaign will need advocacy and action to 

succeed in its vision. Central to the campaign is the 

creation of an enduring and dynamic plan of action, 

accountable through a concentrated group of senior 

authorities. This empowered and engaged team of 

leaders will work across boundaries and barriers 

to connect enterprise vision with collaborative 

solutions. This team will have membership across 

the Secretariat, Fleet, OPNAV and HQMC.

• Increased velocity and scale of learning.

• Encouraging deliberate risk and embracing the 

“Red” culture improvement models.

• Adapting, learning, correcting, and attacking barriers.

• Driving a sense of urgency in improvement.

Through centralized accountability and decentralized 

execution we will maintain cohesion of plan and vision, 

while unleashing the innovative power and resources of 

our workforce at all levels in all functional areas.

Platforms & 

Enablers

Requirements, resources 

and investment plans 

through development of a 

cross-domain capabilitycentric lens, addressing 

whole capability solutions 

that enable UxS to rapidly 

integrate across the Force.

Strategy, Concepts, 

& Analysis

Alignment of strategic 

priorities, connecting 

cycle of analytics and 

informing and reporting 

on wargames, studies, 

exercises and experiments.

Fleet Capability, 

Capacity, Readiness 

& Wholeness

Derive employment plans, 

exercises and CONOPs 

to inform requirements 

applied to fleet issues 

regarding manning, 

training, and equipping 

the fleet.

RDT&E/Science 

& Technology

Identifying, informing, 

and integrating the Naval 

Research Enterprise 

on focused capability 

development, validation 

and insertion.

People, Education 

& Talent

Future personnel, 

talent recruitment and 

education necessary 

to field and sustain 

autonomous operations 

securely and reliably.

Logistics & 

Infrastructure

Ensuring the maintenance, 

sustainment, basing, and 

support of unmanned 

systems is understood 

and prepared to scale with 

the fleet.

Policy, Law, 

& Ethics

Addressing barriers, 

gaps, interpretations 

and issues of policy that 

support the advancement 

and employment of 

autonomous solutions.

Communication 

& Messaging

Collecting, consolidating 

and communicating 

the Naval narrative on 

unmanned systems. 

Ensuring one coherent 

voice and vision is shared 

across the DON when it 

comes to the future of UxS.

9

Unmanned Campaign Framework
 PART I: The Mission

Unmanned Systems are 

truly disruptive, both for us 

and our adversaries.

Increased range, endurance 

and persistence – scalable 

beyond human operator 

limitations

Enable faster, scalable, and 

distributed decision-making 

putting humans at the apex 

of command

Increase resilience, 

connectivity, and real time 

awareness with distributed 

network nodes

Free warfighter for critical operations, 

by automating routine/repetitive tasks

Decreased risk to human life 

and access to uninhabitable 

environments

Operate in complex and 

contested areas with reduced 

risk to life, force and mission

Awareness and exploitation of 

physical operating environment

Unmanned Systems Desired End-State

Why Unmanned? 

Today’s global security environment has seen a return to Great Power 

Competition. This shift has placed the Department at an inflection point, and we 

cannot continue with a traditional force structure in the face of new warfighting 

demands. We must develop detailed technology maturation and acquisition 

roadmaps to enable us to innovate quickly to provide solutions for hard-to-solve 

problems of current and future conflicts. 

10

Unmanned Campaign Framework
 PART I: The Mission

NDS Line of Effort Unmanned Strategic 

Objectives

Unmanned Opportunity Areas

1 Build a More 

Lethal Force

Modernize key 

capabilities using 

unmanned systems

Space and Cyberspace Warfighting Domains

Command, Control, Communications, Computers,

Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (C4ISR-T)

Joint Lethality in contested environment

Advanced autonomous systems

Evolve innovative 

operational concepts

Develop innovative unmanned operational concepts

Develop innovative Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) 

operational concepts

Utilize UxS capabilities and MUM-T operational concepts in planning 

to execute operations in new and unpredictable ways 

Develop a lethal, agile, 

mobile and resilient force

Include unmanned systems in Dynamic Force Employment plans

Include unmanned systems in the Global Operating Model

Forward Force maneuver and posture resilience

Resilient and agile logistics

2 Strengthen 

Alliances and 

Attract New 

Partners

Deepen Interoperability Develop allied partnerships and train combined forces for missions 

using MUM-T systems in joint operations

Integrate UxS and MUM-T into strategic planning and employment 

schemes with allies

3 Reform the 

Department 

for Greater 

Performance 

& Affordability

Deliver performance at 

the speed of relevance

Prioritize reliable and proven delivery of unmanned systems

Execute continuous adaptation

Accept frequent modular upgrades

Organize for innovation Consolidate, eliminate or restructure as necessary to increase lethality 

or performance

Streamline rapid, iterative 

approaches from 

development to fielding

Ensure S&T organizations, Sponsors, Program Offices, SYSCOMS 

and the Fleet employ streamlined rapid, iterative approaches from 

development to fielding of unmanned systems

Integrate with US 

interagency

Share DON UxS and MUM-T systems and operating concepts with other 

agencies as appropriate 

Utilize other agency UxS and MUM-T systems and operating concepts 

where capabilities and/or cost effectiveness is needed

Alignment to the National Defense Strategy 

“

”

Unmanned platforms play a vital role in our future fleet. They will expand our intelligence, surveillance, 

and reconnaissance advantage, add depth to our missile magazines, and provide additional means to 

keep our distributed force provisioned. Furthermore, moving toward smaller platforms improves our 

offensive punch while providing affordable solutions to grow.

– CNO Navigation Plan, 2021

By exploiting the technical revolution in autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence, 

the naval forces can create many new risk-worthy unmanned and minimally-manned platforms that 

can be employed in stand-in engagements to create tactical dilemmas that adversaries will confront 

when attacking our allies and forces forward.

– Commandant’s Planning Guidance, 2019

11

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART II: Unmanned Portfolio

Part II

Unmanned Portfolio

Where Are We Now?
PART II: Unmanned Portfolio

A Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle sits on the flight deck aboard the Expeditionary 

Fast Transport Vessel USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1).
PART II: Unmanned Portfolio

Air Portfolio

Today’s Navy and Marine Corps unmanned aircraft 

systems (UAS) have leveraged 30-plus years of UAS 

experience in support of the naval mission and feature 

technologies that enhance our forces. Currently, 

UAS support enhanced maritime domain awareness 

with extended range and persistent Intelligence, 

Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR&T) 

capabilities. The Broad Area Maritime Surveillance 

Demonstrator (BAMS-D) is a High Altitude Long 

Endurance (HALE) UAS equipped with a maritime 

ISR&T sensor package that has operated for over 10 

years, providing more than 35,000 hours of critical 

maritime overwatch. The MQ-8C Fire Scout provides 

organic ISR&T to Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and 

other suitably equipped air capable ships. The Navy’s 

MQ-4C Triton and USMC’s MQ-9A are both executing 

Early Operational Capability (EOC) deployments. 

Additionally, the Navy and Marine Corps continue to 

leverage numerous smaller UAS across the spectrum 

of naval operations. 

The Navy and Marine Corps are leveraging rapidly 

evolving unmanned technologies to develop cuttingedge systems with resilient command and control 

architectures to support a future distributed force. The 

MQ-25A Stingray will be the first carrier-based UAS, 

functioning primarily as a mission tanker to extend the 

range and reach of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW). 

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) continues 

to develop and experiment with a family of longer 

range, longer endurance UAS with a variety of plugand-play payloads. These systems will give ground 

combat units organic Reconnaissance, Surveillance, 

and Target Acquisition (RSTA) assets capable of 

supporting long-range precision kinetic and nonkinetic fires, both afloat and ashore. This includes 

conducting extended user evaluations with industry 

leading systems to include the UAV V-BAT and the 

Stalker UAS to inform requirements for the Ground 

Combat Element. The USMC is also the lead for the 

development of a Joint family of aerial unmanned 

logistics systems capable of facilitating the automated 

distribution of supplies in the maritime environment. 

These types of “delivery drones” are essential 

components to the overall Navy and USMC logistics 

modernization efforts in support of DMO and EABO.

The Department will continue building on lessons 

learned from Naval UAS operational experience, 

leveraging advances in autonomy, and pursuing 

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) opportunities. 

The Navy and Marine Corps team is committed to 

exploring the utility of UAS across the full spectrum 

of naval operations and fielding more capable UAS 

that are fully integrated into the manned/unmanned 

future force.

UCAS X-47B has 

first landing of 

an autonomous 

aerial vehicle on an 

aircraft carrier.

14

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART II: Unmanned Portfolio

Surface Portfolio

The large and medium unmanned surface vessels are 

the newest additions to this portfolio. The Medium and 

Large Unmanned Surface Vessels (M/LUSV) of today 

are prototype efforts using Sea Hunter (SH1) and 

Overlord to provide assets for fleet experimentation 

and technology development and demonstration. 

Sea Hunter is in operation with Surface Development 

Squadron One participating in Fleet Exercises to 

develop familiarization and Tactics, Techniques, 

and Procedures (TTPs) for manned and unmanned 

operations. A second Sea Hunter, Seahawk (SH2), was 

launched in August 2020 and is undergoing testing 

and will eventually join SH1 for additional platform 

testing and experimentation. The Overlord program is 

converting commercial Fast Supply Vessels to develop 

and mature reliable USV autonomy and develop a 

fleet integrated C4I system. The Overlord project has 

converted two existing vessels and contracted for two 

new vessels in FY20. Following the cancellation of the 

Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) Program in 

FY16, the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface 

Vehicle (MCM USV) was designated as the new tow 

platform to replace RMMV for mine countermeasure 

operations. MCM USV is now a program of record in 

low-rate production, and integration tests to launch 

and recover MCM USV from LCS have begun.

The Medium and Large USVs of tomorrow offer 

promising solutions to expand the sensor and 

weapons capacity of the current Fleet. They will 

be Program of Record, purpose-built vessels that 

support distributed maritime operations through the 

Navy Tactical Grid. The MUSV platform is designed 

as an unmanned sensor-ship, built to carry modular 

payloads, and standardized to integrate with current 

and future Navy systems. The LUSV platform will 

be a high endurance, adjunct magazine, based on 

commercial designs and built around a common 

missile launcher with an integrated combat 

system. The LUSV will add meaningful offensive 

weapons capability and capacity in Strike and 

Anti-Surface Warfare.

The Marine Corps is developing the Long-Range 

Unmanned Surface Vessel (LRUSV) to enhance 

maritime reconnaissance and long-range precision 

fires in support of sea denial and sea control 

operations. This small autonomous vessel will 

provide a variety of new disruptive capabilities. The 

Marine Corps, in coordination with Office of Naval 

Research (ONR), is also developing the Autonomous 

Littoral Connector (ALC), a sensor and software 

suite that can be applied to current and future 

surface connectors. ALC will provide multiple levels 

of autonomous surface mobility and beaching 

capabilities to enhance the overall maneuverability 

and sustainability of units operating in the littorals.

Sea Hunter travels 

thousands of miles 

autonomously between 

San Diego and Pearl 

Harbor in a first of its 

kind demonstration.

15

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART II: Unmanned Portfolio

first vehicle is expected to deliver in FY22. Snakehead Large 

Displacement UUV Phase 1 prototype, designed for launch 

and recovery from submarine large ocean interfaces for deep 

or long duration missions, is completing fabrication and will 

begin test and evaluation in FY22. Request for Proposal (RFP) 

for the next phase of Snakehead has been issued with award 

projected in FY21.

Small/Medium UUV efforts leverage successful operations 

over the last 10 years, are derived from commercial vehicles 

and modified for surface and submarine host platforms. The 

Razorback submarine launched and recovered UUVs extend 

the submarine’s reach to areas too deep, too shallow, or too 

dangerous for submarine operations. The initial variant of 

Razorback relies on launch and recovery from a dry deck 

shelter, but ongoing torpedo tube launch and recovery 

(TTL&R) demonstrations and experimentation will enable 

the submarine force to conduct operations on virtually any 

submarine without the need for divers or a dry deck shelter. In 

May 2020, the Navy released an RFP for the next generation 

of Razorback and small UUVs that include TTL&R capabilities. 

The production of the Mk-18 Family of Systems continues as 

the Navy’s most successful UUV program. Both Mk-18 Mod 

1 and 2 are used for Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures 

(MCM) and Maritime Homeland Defense (MHD). The Knifefish 

medium MCM UUV has been in low-rate production since 

2019. A future Maritime Expeditionary MCM UUV is leveraging 

the Razorback RFP to reduce lifetime operating costs through 

a common medium UUV outfitted with sensors and payloads 

tailored to support multiple communities. 

The Navy continues to explore new concepts of operation, 

new means of integrating unmanned and manned vessels, 

and new capabilities afforded by these advances.

The undersea domain has decades of operational use 

with small UUVs and is scaling size and complexity 

going forward as technology advances. The Navy has 

increased collaboration with industry through competitive 

prototyping accelerating new technology delivery to the 

fleet. This collaboration enables prudent prototyping, 

experimentation, and demonstration of new capabilities 

prior to transitioning to Programs of Record. Since the 

1990s, UUVs operating from both submarines and surface 

ships, small and large, have conducted intelligence 

preparation of the environment enhancing battlespace 

awareness throughout the world.

Submarine Force, Naval Expeditionary Combatant 

Command, Naval Special Warfare and Naval 

Oceanographic UUVs have supported UUV operations 

in the mission areas of Mine Warfare, Intelligence, 

Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and intelligence 

preparation of the operational environment. This includes 

remote command and control from the Navy’s Glider 

Operations Center (GOC) and the UUV Operations 

Center (UOC) that provide overwatch and reachback. 

These operations have resulted in the force gaining 

experience that is foundational and culminates in a 

deep understanding of maritime unmanned systems, 

particularly in the areas of navigation, sensing and 

autonomy, and mission endurance. The Navy will build 

upon these lessons to accelerate adoption throughout 

the Fleet.

Fabrication of the Orca Extra Large Unmanned 

Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), a pier or shipboard launched, 

long endurance vehicle with a modular design to 

accommodate a variety of large payloads has begun. The 

Undersea Portfolio

A Mk-18 Mod 2 

UUV with the ATLAS 

forward looking 

sonar module 

attached begins 

its dive for a mine 

hunting mission.

16

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART II: Unmanned Portfolio

Ground Portfolio

In the Ground Domain, the USMC is seeking to 

develop a variety of Unmanned Ground Vehicles 

(UGVs) that are interoperable, survivable, and modular 

with flexible levels of autonomy, and high levels of 

human-machine collaboration. The USMC is taking 

advantage of industry advancements in self-driving 

vehicles and commercial mobile robotic systems 

while also leveraging US Army UGV efforts. The USMC 

UGV strategy includes the exploitation of robotic and 

autonomy capabilities with the following objectives: 

employing Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T); 

leveraging autonomy and matching autonomy to 

mission; and integrating robotic and autonomous 

capabilities to develop innovative concepts of 

operation. The overarching goal of the ground portfolio 

is to provide the following to maritime ground forces: 

increase situational awareness; lighten the cognitive 

and physical burden; improve sustainment; facilitate 

movement and maneuver; and to protect the force. 

In partnership with Navy and Industry, the USMC has 

developed the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for 

Expeditionary (ROGUE)-Fires platform. This program 

utilizes a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle chassis and 

powertrain kitted with an autonomy kit to serve as a 

launch platform for the transportation and firing of a 

variety of ground-based missile systems.

In a culmination of work with numerous ground 

robotic/autonomous systems over the past fifteen 

years, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory 

(MCWL) developed the prototype Expeditionary 

Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV) small unit 

UGV with a modular payload integration architecture 

supporting a variety of missions across multiple 

warfighting functions. The Army selected the 

EMAV and the prototype/demonstrator for their 

Robotic Combat Vehicle – Light program setting the 

groundwork for a potentially significant Joint UGV 

program. Experimentation and advanced development 

continues for a squad level semi- autonomous 

UGV know as Modular Advanced Armed Robotic 

System (MAARS 2.0) that is designed specifically for 

small unit reconnaissance, surveillance, and target 

acquisition missions.

MCWL is also developing and experimenting with 

a variety of other ground robotic systems with 

common system architectures and controllers to 

include everything from small throwbots that can 

be used to identify occupants or hazards in a room, 

cave, or tunnel; to weapon carrying systems that can 

remotely maneuver, target, and fire a variety of crew 

served small arms. All these systems seek to reduce 

the physical and cognitive burden of Marines while 

increasing lethality and survivability while contributing 

to larger maritime operations.

Marine Explosive 

Ordnance Disposal 

(EOD) technicians in 

the Republic of Korea 

train in UGV mannedunmanned teaming 

techniques to reduce 

risk for unexploded 

ordnance detection 

and disposal 

operations.

17

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART II: Unmanned Portfolio

Interfaces & 

Standards

Facilities, Sustainment 

& Maintenance

Infrastructure 

& C2

People & Training Data & 

Autonomy

Networks

LUSV Overlord MUSV

Prototype

Sea Hunter MCM USV

LDUUV Knifefish

Snakehead

XLUUV 

Orca

LBS-AUV & 

LBS-Glider

MK-18 Mod 1 

& Mod 2

RQ-21 Blackjack/ MQ-4 Triton

ScanEagle

Razorback

MQ-25A 

Stingray

MQ-8C 

Fire Scout

MQ-9A 

Reaper

LRUSV

ALC ROGUE-Fires RCV-L SUGV

LRLE

Positioning Navigation & Timing Sense & Decide Communications Mission AI

Cyber & Physical Reliability Payload Integration Power & Endurance Edge Processing

Security

Example: 

Mine Countermeasures

Search, locate, identify, 

process, and neutralize 

sea mines, ensuring 

safety and security of 

sea lanes.

To collect intelligence and 

perform surveillance and 

reconnaissance.

Increased capacity at 

decreased cost allows 

robust connectivity and 

communication resiliency.

Example: 

Distributed Nodes

Example: 

Denied-Area Intelligence, 

Surveillance, and 

Reconnaissance (ISR) Exploration of unique 

missions and 

opportunities only 

available through 

unmanned systems. 

Example: 

Unique Missions

Repetitive and 

Routine Automation

Enduring and 

Persistent Effects

New Concepts with 

Unmanned Systems

UNMANNED Platforms

CORE TECHNOLOGIES

Key Enablers

Attritable Systems

Unmanned Areas of Opportunity

To deliver effective unmanned capabilities to the fleet, proper development of not only platforms, but also key 

enablers and core technologies are required to seize the opportunities unmanned systems present.

18

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART II: Unmanned Portfolio

A Ghost Fleet Overlord test vessel takes part in a capstone demonstration during the conclusion of Phase I of the 

program in September 2019. Two existing commercial fast supply vessels were converted into unmanned surface 

vessels (USVs) for Overlord testing, which will play a vital role in informing the Navy’s new classes of USVs.
PART III: Delivering the Future

Part III

DELIVERING THE FUTURE

How Will We Get There?
PART III: Delivering the Future

A Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light (RCV-L) autonomously departing an 

Assault Craft Unit-2 Autonomous Littoral Connector (ALC), a legacy Navy landing craft outfitted with sensors and 

software giving the craft both remote-control and full autonomous capabilities.
PART III: Delivering the Future









Procedural and organizational barriers slow

UxS innovation.

Coalesce whole of government 

coordination efforts in programming, 

resources, and acquisition.

Create platform agnostic and unmanned 

capability-centric narratives.

Free resources through common systems

that enhance overall capacity and readiness.

Build a little, test a little, and learn a lot.

Platform focused narratives minimize priority

of common enablers.

Zero tolerance culture for failure.

Competing platform priorities in challenging

fiscal environments.

Dynamic 

Balancing

Connectivity:

Infrastructure, 

transport, launch 

and recovery

Platform 

Challenges:

Aggregate demands on

Command and Control 

(C2), proprietary

system interfaces

Scaling the 

Force:

Operator training and 

experience, common data 

standards, logistics support

Force 

Integration:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), 

cyber security, navigation, 

endurance,reliability,

sense and avoid

Core 

Technologies:

Naval Tactical Grid - 

moving information 

across platforms 

and systems 

Challenges

The Navy and Marine Corps’ structure and vision for deliberate and successful delivery of unmanned systems has 

evolved in the face of technological advancements and emerging threats. The successful adoption of unmanned 

systems at scale is and will be challenged by technical, cultural, policy, fiscal, and procedural barriers. To reach the 

full potential of unmanned systems in the Naval force, these barriers must be addressed. This is the charge of the 

Unmanned Campaign.

A physical platform alone cannot carry 

out missions without the appropriate 

key enablers, core technologies, 

and interoperability standards. 

This campaign aims to create the 

organizational coordination necessary 

to address the challenge of developing 

new innovative systems to meet the 

future challenges. The Navy and Marine 

Corps will scale tested and proven 

successes, and rather than developing 

bespoke software and subsequent 

training for every platform, will invest in 

technologies that cut across platforms.

Design: A Balancing Act

22

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

Spectrum of Analysis informs

Studies & 

Analysis

Ensure studies and analysis include unmanned 

focus, coordinate with Naval Warfare Analysis Office 

on existing knowledge base, and monitor execution.

Incorporate unmanned system behavior and 

performance into the building of modeling and 

simulation environments. Mature these tools 

and use resultant findings to identify gaps.

Modeling & 

Simulation

Identify areas where Fleet, industry, and warfare 

centers can perform experiments to test and 

exercises to validate prototypes and hypotheses 

regarding potential unmanned solutions at the 

platform, system, and subsystem levels.

 Experimentation

& Exercises

Budget

Resourcing

Decisions

Requirements

Capability

Guidance

Policy

Include unmanned elements in all operational 

wargames and conduct iterative unmanned 

centric games.

Incorporate appropriate, realistic assumptions 

around unmanned aspects of wargaming.

Wargames

Building a Credible Plan and Future

In order to meet the challenge of defining the end 

operations environment and prioritizing which 

unmanned capabilities to develop, the Navy will:

• Advance a culture of learning to broaden and 

deepen knowledge.

• Advance a culture of adaptation for 

continuous improvement.

• Maximize teamwork to align investments, 

reuse and development of capabilities, and 

interoperability of all analytic data.

• Utilize analysis, experimentation, and feedback 

loops to drive lethality.

• Focus on providing total solutions to include 

enablers and not only platforms.

• Scale subsystems, prototypes, and technologies 

that have been tested and proven.

• Strengthen relationships with stakeholders and build 

solutions for emerging needs.

The Navy and Marine Corps will build credible systems 

and plans through a comprehensive Science and 

Technology (S&T) Strategy based on rigorous analysis. 

The S&T strategy and Campaign will be informed by 

the Navy’s Analytic Master Plan and the Marine Corps’ 

Campaign of Learning to orchestrate analysis in support 

of future force design and concepts. This analysis 

includes intelligence, studies, wargames, experiments, 

exercises, testing, modeling, and simulation – all to 

inform the strategic decision-making needed to succeed 

in long-term great power competition.

For Example: In April 2021, U.S. Pacific Fleet will execute a series of events called an Integrated Fleet 

Battle Problem (IBP-21). The events will be coordinated throughout the Department and focus on 

unmanned contributions to the maritime fight. IBP-21 will build on the unmanned experience and 

success established in Naval aviation, and add unmanned systems that operate above and under the 

sea. IBP-21 will test and grade the unmanned capabilities we have today through the lens of how they 

contribute at both the operational and tactical level.

23

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

Interface A

Control 

System A

People/ 

Training A

Data and 

Autonomy A

System C2 

Network A

Control 

System B

People/ 

Training B

Data and 

Autonomy B

System C2 

Network B

Interface B

Control 

System C

People/ 

Training C

Data and 

Autonomy C

System C2 

Network C

Interface C

Facilities, 

Sustainment & 

Maintenance C

Facilities, 

Sustainment & 

Maintenance B

Facilities, 

Sustainment & 

Maintenance A

Capabilities are delivered and updated through a modular and open system environment.

Current Model: Platform-Centric Approach

Desired Shift: Capability-Centric Approach

Siloed development leads to unique capabilities and infrastructure per platform.

Common Standard 

Interfaces

Common Control 

System and 

Interface

Consolidated 

Staff Efficiencies 

Realized

Shared Facilities, 

Sustainment and 

Maintenance Practices 

Common Data 

and Autonomy 

Libraries

Integrated Network:

Naval Tactical Grid 

Funding a Capability... not a Platform

Changing the Narrative

Currently we resource independent system solutions, but need to drive “solve once and scale” mindsets.

24

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

Test, Prove, and Scale

The Navy and Marine Corps are exploring the full spectrum of opportunity presented by industry, 

partners, and prototyping.

Rapid Autonomy Integration Lab (RAIL)

RAIL is an autonomy lab to test and integrate autonomy software advances with existing unmanned 

vessels. This allows for the most current technology at a lower development cost. It will allow for the 

Navy to quickly and effectively develop, update and maintain autonomy software. 

Naval Aviators Learn to “fly” the MQ-25

Through agile development and strong partnerships with industry, Naval aviators learn how to fly the 

MQ-25 through live virtual trainers long before the first MQ-25 is even manufactured and delivered to 

the Navy. This is a best practice for the Navy to shorten fielding times by leveraging scale modeling 

and live virtual environments in parallel to system development, which builds trust and expertise as 

systems are created.

Experimentation at DEVRONs

The Navy established Unmanned Undersea and Surface Development Squadrons, UUVRON 1 and 

SURFDEVRON in 2017 and 2019, respectively. SURFDEVRON and UUVRON provide rapid feedback to 

developers and incorporate unmanned into the fleet. Additionally, the Air Test & Evaluation Squadron 

Two Four (UX-24) was commissioned in 2018. UX-24’s mission is to provide operators, unmanned 

aircraft assets, maintenance, operational and safety oversight, and facility support to RDT&E of all 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Coordinated Standards

The Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA) is an initiative that serves to standardize 

autonomy interfaces and enable interoperability for all USV and UUV programs. It allows for better 

coordination between military and industry and opens industry competition.

Naval Capabilities Integration Process

The Navy and Marine Corps are executing the annual Naval Capabilities Integration Process to 

evaluate current and future programs through mission level modeling and simulation. The analysis 

identifies how programmed platforms (both manned and unmanned) contribute to completing 

mission-specific kill chains. The annual process informs programmatic decision-making and assists 

in identifying strengths and weaknesses within each kill chain. 

Marine Corps Force Design 2030

The Marine Corps is reshaping its force structure from a focus on large scale ground combat operations 

to support future Naval mission sets throughout the globe. Critical enabling technologies to support 

future Naval operations include manned and unmanned systems to support sensing, communications, 

logistics, and long-range precision fires. HQMC is constantly refining its future capability requirements 

and operational concepts through modeling and simulation, wargames, and experiments with the Fleet, 

OPNAV staff, Warfare Centers, and other key research and development agencies. 

Fleet Experimentation

The Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC) designs, plans, and executes the Fleet 

Experimentation (FLEX) program on behalf of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and 

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. FLEX identifies and examines potential materiel and non-materiel 

solutions to address the fleet’s most important warfighting priorities. NWDC is currently developing 

multi-year experiment campaigns that include the examination and integration of unmanned 

solutions in all domains.

25

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

How the DON 

Will Approach 

Development of 

New Systems

Use early prototyping to prove 

out new technologies prior to 

integrating these subsystems 

onto a platform.

Consider entire solution 

including logistics, training, 

infrastructure, and Fleet 

Engagement from outset for 

successful fielding.

Utilize land-based testing sites to 

allow for decoupling critical 

systems and testing prior to major 

design decisions, reducing risk 

before scaling into production.

Drive virtual modeling and 

simulation environments to 

study and compare technical 

and operational trades 

earlier in the design process.

Develop an adaptive 

infrastructure base that can 

support testing, sustainment 

and maintenance.

Strengthen collaboration and 

partnership across the 

unmanned enterprise – 

technology developers, users, 

government, and industry – 

to accelerate innovation and 

adoption while reducing 

duplication of effort on 

foundational capabilities.

1

2

3

4

Define End Operations 

Environment

Determine How Unmanned 

Can Accomplish the Mission

Prioritize What 

to Develop

De-risking the Development of Technology

Development of unmanned systems and integration into operating constructs like Distributed Maritime 

Operations (DMO) and Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE), requires an environment 

that translates between development and operations rapidly. Concepts of employment, tactics, 

techniques, and procedures, plus analysis and exercise outcomes will feed technological developers 

to quickly iterate for insertion back in the operational environment. This learning and feedback cycle 

will allow for iterative development, which is an industry best practice for technology maturation and 

user adoption. The enduring unmanned campaign group will focus on the complex synchronization 

of stakeholders critical to the development of unmanned capabilities, and organize efforts across all 

functional areas that touch unmanned development.

26

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

Analytic Tools:

AI, Interfaces, 

and services that 

support fast, 

sound decisions

Infrastructure: 

Data storage, 

processing power, 

and technology 

stacks at the nodes

Development occurs across all four enabling elements

Data:

An overarching 

data strategy 

and architecture

Networks:

Naval Tactical Grid 

to connect 

distributed nodes

User 

Community

FLEET

Rapid Accreditation & Fielding

Develop

& Test

Approve

& Deploy

Experiment 

& Exercise

Fleet Needs & Feedback

Operational Environment DEVELOPMENT Environment

Providing Total Solutions

Unmanned Systems deliver a capability to achieve mission outcomes through unlocking constraints on 

manned systems. No mission outcome can be achieved through building the platform alone. In order to 

provide total solutions in the unmanned space, the DON will increase focus on developing enablers 

required to successfully scale lessons across investments. Some of these key enablers include: 

Networks, Control Systems, Infrastructure, Interfaces, Artificial Intelligence, and Data. The Navy and Marine 

Corps are designing and implementing a comprehensive operational architecture to support DMO. This 

architecture will provide accurate, timely, analyzed information to units, warfighting groups, and fleets.

Naval operational architecture (NOA)

27

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

Pacific Northwest Region

Southwest Region

Great Lakes Region

New England Region

Southeast 

Region

Hawaii

Gulf Coast Region

Mid-Atlantic 

Region

 Robust industrial base for UxS and related technology – high 

number of companies who possess the technical expertise, 

capability, and capacity to develop UxS technology and platforms

 Mix of large corporations and small businesses 

 Very high level of interest in UxS programs – continuous and varied 

engagement

State of the Industry

UxS Industrial Base Fleet Concentration Areas Support Activity (Warfare Centers, 

Research Labs, Government Field 

Activities, NavalX Tech Bridges)

A Nationwide Approach

28

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

Industry and Academia

Government, industry, and academia each have 

complementary roles to play in national security, 

and this campaign aims to leverage and contribute 

to this healthy symbiosis. For example, the DON has 

a wide array of existing academic performers that 

concurrently staff, lead, or perform for top industry 

innovators such as Google, Toyota, etc. There are also 

a host of other DON performers that have recently 

founded high-tech startups in the areas of autonomy 

and AI. Thus, the collaborative and complementary 

roles of government, industry, and academia can be 

critical drivers of the industrial ecosystem. 

While industry investment in research and 

development dwarfs that of government, a September 

2020 study by the U.S. Government Accountability 

Office illustrated that only 38% of industry’s 

independent research and development products 

align with DoD priorities. This is due in part to the 

fact that the DON has Naval Unique Needs for which 

Industry is not incentivized to invest absent DON 

leadership, guidance, or investment. These needs 

include weaponization, non-permissive environments, 

covert or clandestine, force multiplication, high-tempo, 

expendability and long duration, among others. There 

are specific considerations and military requirements 

that prevent direct transition of commercial systems 

for military purposes. Maintaining the Department’s 

technological advantage will require cultural changes 

across the ecosystem, innovative investment 

strategies, and thoughtful consideration of research 

protection across the National Security Innovation 

Base. Successful execution of this campaign requires 

that the Navy and Marine Corps collaborate with and 

inform industry and academic partners to develop 

technologies, concepts, and approaches with Naval 

Unique Needs in mind. 

Taking into account these unique needs, the 

department has converted a number of commercially 

available systems and platforms to fit specific naval 

requirements. For instance, the MQ-8C Fire Scout is an 

example of an UAV that was built from a commercial 

helicopter, and many additional platforms such 

as the Mk18 Mod1 UUV have similar commercial 

origins. It is important to note that the government 

relationship with industry and academia can also 

support developments for commercial applications. 

In another example, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory 

assessments and research regarding flight design 

and data will have implications for future commercial 

applications. 

Across the Naval Research and Development 

Establishment, the DoD engages in an array of 

collaborative research at government funded labs. 

In FY19 the DON invested nearly $300 million in 

engineering projects. Such efforts resulted in over 

1,000 technical publications including authors from 

government, academia, and industry. In addition to 

collaboration, Warfare Centers and labs strategize 

project selection based on closing technology 

gaps needed to deter and defeat future threats and 

adversaries. Such relevant projects include a Counter 

Small Unmanned System Adaptive Multi-Sensor, Multi 

Weapon Fusion and Fleet Experiment, a Mission Ready 

Unmanned Assault Amphibious Vehicle, and Machine 

Learning for Auto-Identification of Target Objects from 

Unmanned Aerial Systems. 

The successful adoption of unmanned platforms is 

also supported by DON affiliated University Applied 

Research Centers (UARCs) and other institutions 

of higher learning working to innovate, test, and 

develop platforms and systems for the future fleet. 

Additionally, DoD works with Federally Funded 

Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), 

public-private partnerships that conduct research 

and development efforts for multiple departments 

of the U.S. government. These and other partners 

through the Naval Research and Development 

Establishment have vital roles in the development 

and testing of innovative technologies to support 

unmanned capabilities. Aside from the partnerships 

for development, there is also the important aspect 

of information sharing. Many professional societies 

have served as important touchpoints with industry 

and academia members across the defense, civil, and 

commercial markets. 

The Navy and Marine Corps are working with external 

stakeholders in a variety of ways, and will continue 

to invest in symbiotic relationships to execute this 

campaign. Successful development and integration of 

unmanned hinges on effective collaboration between 

government, industry, and academia.

29

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

The scale and pace of autonomyrelated investments in both private and 

international economies far exceed any 

nation’s capacity to compete on all fronts. 

Therefore, allies and partners must 

collaborate in order to truly capitalize 

on the pace of technology and ensure 

operational advantage.

Allies and Partners 

Operational Experimentation to increase allied 

interoperability between conventional forces and 

unmanned vessels.

New tactics, techniques and procedures to 

maximize the potential of new technologies, 

and CONOPS for coalition forces to ensure safe 

operations, reliability and endurance. 

Maximum output potential for international 

cooperation requires invigorated commitment, 

supportive policy, and resources. Through 

sophisticated information exchange and strategic 

partnerships, interoperability has the potential to 

evolve into interchangeability, making allied forces a 

symbiotic deliverer of effect.

As Naval Forces across the globe, including those 

of our adversaries, undergo a fundamental shift 

in transitioning to unmanned and autonomous 

warfighting, strengthening international alliances 

and strategic partnerships has never been more 

important. Actively pursuing and investing in 

international cooperative programs will maximize 

innovation potential, synergize S&T and R&D efforts, 

and enable joint solutions that are interoperable or 

even interchangeable by design. Early commitment 

will yield significant Return on Investment in both the 

acquisition and operational arenas. 

One example of strengthening global partnerships to 

achieve advancements in the unmanned space is the 

October 2018 Maritime Unmanned Systems Initiative, 

Declaration of Intent, signed by defense ministers from 

17 Nations with three additional nations signing their 

commitment to the original Declaration of Intent. The 

NATO Maritime Unmanned Systems Initiative is led by 

the United States and is an exemplar for international 

collaboration and innovation delivered at pace.

Engagement with our allies will focus on the 

following areas:

Strengthening Global Partnerships to Leverage and Share Innovation

Officer in charge of the Remote Environmental Measuring 

Units (REMUS) Team from Italian Mine Countermeasures 

Forces Command, points out different aspects of an 

Italian Navy’s unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) to the 

commander of U.S. Navy Expeditionary Task Force Europe 

and Africa (CTF 68), at the NATO experimentation exercise 

Recognized Environmental Picture augmented by Maritime 

Unmanned Systems REP (MUS) in Troia, Portugal.

Secure digital communication standards and 

common C2 interface protocols to enable shared 

situational awareness.

Development of multi-national secure supply 

chains, and joint operational maintenance and 

repair capacity around the globe.

System development to ensure core technologies, 

enablers, and standards are common to all and 

testing happens early and often.

30

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

Legal, Policy, and Ethical Considerations 

A Marine with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company 

(ANGLICO), I Marine Expeditionary Force Information 

Group, launches an Organic Precision Fires (OPF) 

unmanned aerial loitering munition during an exercise at 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA.

Law, policy, and ethical principles applied to unmanned 

systems are critical to maintaining good order and 

discipline, ensuring compliance with international 

obligations, and protecting liberties and rights. The 

overarching task for the DON is to develop, procure, 

field, and employ increasingly sophisticated unmanned 

systems that maximize warfighting effectiveness 

through their incorporation of autonomy and artificial 

intelligence, while remaining consistent with the Law 

of Armed Conflict, DOD policy, and AI ethical principles. 

As these unmanned systems become increasingly 

sophisticated, an enduring central tenet to their use 

will be the continued exercise of appropriate levels of 

human judgment. The DON will continue to partner with 

Congress to develop the legal and ethical frameworks 

for the employment of autonomous systems. The DON 

is committed to ensuring unmanned systems and 

autonomous weapon systems are used ethically and in 

compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict and other 

applicable bodies of law.

The task currently facing the DON is to elaborate 

on applicable policy considerations, given the rapid 

and diverse emergence of unmanned capabilities. 

The DON should specifically take into account the 

following actions:

Determine which systems are counted as 

part of the battle force

This review should consider the design, command and 

control structure, intended area of employment, and 

capability of the unmanned system.

Detail the degree to which an unmanned 

system may operate autonomously

Humans remain responsible for complying with the 

Law of Armed Conflict in their use of unmanned and 

autonomous systems. In the future some degree 

of autonomy will be delegated to these systems 

to make determinations. This includes weapon 

systems and non-weapons (e.g., casualty evacuation, 

search & rescue, etc.), and traditional systems (e.g., 

reconnaissance). The use of MUM-T operations will 

help ensure humans retain the responsible use and 

operation of warfare systems.

Ensure we maintain our competitive 

advantage

Even if an adversary does not share our legal, moral, 

or ethical foundations, or employs unmanned systems 

in ways the U.S. will not, effective countermeasures 

do not require engaging in these same unethical 

practices (e.g. indiscriminate targeting). Respect for 

the rule of law is not only “right” but also a competitive 

advantage—it is an enduring position that humans 

embrace and often demand. 

Ensure clarity in ethical principles for 

unmanned systems

The DOD has adopted and continues to evaluate a set 

of Ethical Principles for the use of Artificial Intelligence. 

The DON will ensure implementation of the DOD AI 

Ethical Principles in alignment as they apply to the 

use of Unmanned Autonomous Systems capable of 

applying force on the battlefield.

31

Unmanned Campaign Framework
PART III: Delivering the Future

A VBAT vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) prepares to launch from the cargo deck of a 

Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit / America Amphibious Ready Group.
PART III: Delivering the Future

Medium Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (MUUV) 

The Medium UUV will be a modular, open systems, and open architecture platform. The 

MUUV will support both the torpedo tube-launched environmental sensing mission, as well 

as the Maritime Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures mission.

Exploring Opportunities

Super Swarm Research

The DON is developing universal strategies against “Super Swarms” of overwhelming (air, surface, and 

subsurface) forces attempting to decipher algorithms and outmaneuver in real time.

Unmanned Logistics Systems

The Navy and Marine Corps are developing and acquiring a variety of unmanned air, 

surface, undersea, and ground systems to demonstrate multi-range, multi-payload, 

ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and land-based cargo transport options.

Sea Train

Aims to demonstrate long-range deployment capabilities for a distributed fleet of USVs. Seeks to 

enable extended transit and long-range operations through a system of connected vessels.

Maritime Collaborative Autonomy

The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory is conducting a multi-year Science & Technology 

effort focused on the integration and collaboration of multi-domain autonomous systems in 

support of DMO and LOCE concepts.

Ocean of Things

The Ocean of Things program seeks to enable persistent maritime situational awareness through a 

distributed sensor network over large ocean areas by deploying thousands of small, low-cost floats 

that transmit data via satellite for storage and real-time analysis.

Advanced Naval Technology Exercises (ANTX) 

ANTX allow for the exploration of concepts, tactics and technology. Military research and 

development organizations join with industry to demonstrate rapidly-emerging technologies and 

concepts. One example of ANTX as a critical tool for experimentation with UxS, was the Urban 

5th Generation Marine Exploration and Experimentation 2018 exercise at Camp Pendleton where 

solicited ideas included quadcopters, counter-unmanned air systems, unmanned ground vehicles, 

command and control, communications and electronic warfare. 

No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS)

The NOMARS program seeks to design a ship that can operate autonomously for long durations at 

sea. NOMARS aims to challenge the traditional naval architecture model, designing a seaframe from 

the ground up with no provision, allowance, or expectation for humans at sea. By removing the human 

element from all ship design considerations, the program intends to demonstrate significant advantages 

to size, cost, at-sea reliability, survivability to sea-state, and survivability to adversary actions.

Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) 

The JIFX is a Naval Postgraduate School operational field experimentation resource where 

private companies and academia can demonstrate, evaluate, and experiment with new 

technologies. As a part of JIFX, researchers pitted two swarms of autonomous aircraft 

against one another as the first example of a live engagement between two swarms of 

UAVs, and allowed teams to demonstrate different combat tactics in flight.

33

Unmanned Campaign Framework
SURFACE UNDERSEA AIR

Appendix A: Unmanned Portfolio

CVN-Based Aerial 

Refueling and ISR

MQ-4 Triton MQ-25A Stingray

Persistent Maritime 

Intelligence, 

Surveillance, and 

Reconnaissance (ISR) 

Open-ocean, long-range

vessel with Vertical 

Launch System and 

other potential

payloads

LUSV Large Unmanned 

Surface Vessel

Extend the operational 

commander’s battlespace 

awareness and netted 

command and control 

capability

MUSV Medium 

Unmanned Surface Vehicle 

Sea Hunter

Demonstrates long-range 

and endurance autonomous 

operations of an MUSV 

under sparse remote human 

supervisory control

Submarine deployable 

battlespace awareness 

and sensing capability

LCS and Vessels of 

Opportunity mission 

module asset for buried 

and bottom mine hunting

Largest UUV hosted 

and deployed from 

submarines for subsea/

seabed warfare missions

Pier-launched, longendurance vehicle with 

a modular design to 

accommodate a variety 

of large payloads

Tactical User ISR&T – LCS/

ESB/FFGX/Land Based

MQ-8C Fire Scout

Experimental unmanned 

surface craft with long 

range and endurance, and 

configurable payload capacity 

as predecessor to LUSV

Overlord Prototype

XLUUV Orca LDUUV Snakehead Knifefish Razorback

USMC Medium Altitude 

Long Endurance (MALE), 

USMC persistent tactical 

maritime ISR and C2 

gateway 

MQ-9 Reaper

34

Unmanned Campaign Framework
Ground

Family of Ground Unit 

Commander’s small day/night 

reconnaissance, surveillance, and 

target acquisition UAS

LRLE Long Range / Long 

Endurance Unmanned Aerial 

Family of Systems

RQ-21 Blackjack/

ScanEagle

MCM USV Mine 

Counter Measure 

Mine-hunting, sweeping, 

long-range reconnaissance 

and fires capability

LRUSV Long Range 

Unmanned Surface Vessel

USMC Long-range 

autonomous platform for the 

launch of loitering munitions 

and hosting of other systems 

to address sea targets

ALC Autonomous 

Littoral Connector

Integrates autonomy onto 

current and future beachable 

surface connectors to 

provide maneuver and 

sustainment throughout the 

littoral environment

Missions include 

mine hunting, bottom 

mapping/survey, IPOE, 

reconnaissance, rapid 

object localization, 

and ISR

Missions include 

reconnaissance support, 

mine countermeasures, 

and mapping capability

Mk-18 Mod 1 

Swordfish

Mk-18 Mod 2 

Kingfish

LBS-Glider

LBS-AUV

Sense/measure the 

ocean environment to 

gather meteorological and 

oceanographic data

ROGUE-Fires Remotely 

Operated Ground Unit for 

Expeditionary-Fires

USMC unmanned chassis for 

transportation and firing of 

ground-based missile systems

RCV-L Robotic Combat

Vehicle-Light

Multi-purpose USMC and USA 

autonomous vehicle with a 

modular payload integration 

architecture supporting

a variety of missions across 

multiple warfighting functions 

Family of autonomous air delivery 

systems capable of facilitating 

logistics distribution between 

afloat and land supply points

Unmanned Logistics 

System - Air

SUGV Small Unmanned 

Ground Vehicles

Family of small mantransportable robotic systems 

capable of supporting a 

variety of combat and combat 

support operations 

ISR Naval Special 

Warfare Operations, 

USMC Unmanned Aerial 

Vehicle Squadrons

35

Unmanned Campaign Framework
Glossary

AEGIS: US Navy phased array radar-based combat system

AI/ML: Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning 

ANTX: Advanced Naval Technology Exercises 

BAMS-D: Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Demonstrator 

C2: Command and Control 

C4ISR-T: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, 

Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting

CNO: Chief of Naval Operations

CONOPS: Concept of Operations

CVN: Aircraft Carrier, Nuclear-Powered

CVW: Carrier Air Wing

DMO: Distributed Maritime Operations

DOD: Department of Defense

DON: Department of the Navy

DOTmLPF-P: Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, 

Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities and Policy

EABO: Expeditionary Advanced Basing Operations

EMAV: Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle

EOC: Early Operational Capability

FFRDC: Federally Funded Research and Development Center

FLEX: Fleet Experimentation Program

GOC: Navy’s Glider Operations Center

HALE: High Altitude Long Endurance

HQMC: Headquarters Marine Corps

ISR: Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance

ISR&T: Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting 

JADC2: Joint All-Domain Command and Control

JIFX: Joint Interagency Field Experimentation

LBS-G: Littoral Battlespace Sensing - Glider

LCS: Littoral Combat Ships 

LDUUV: Large Displacement Unmanned Undersea Vehicle

LOCE: Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment 

LUSV: Large Unmanned Surface Vessels

MCM: Mine Countermeasures

MCM USV: Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle

MCWL: Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory

MHD: Maritime Homeland Defense

MUM-T: Manned-Unmanned Teaming

MUSV: Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel

MUUV: Medium Unmanned Undersea Vehicle

NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NDS: National Defense Strategy

NOA: Naval Operational Architecture 

NOMARS: No Manning Required Ship

NWDC: Navy Warfare Development Command 

OPNAV: Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

POA&M: Plan of Action and Milestones

R&D: Research and Development

RAIL: Rapid Autonomy Integration Lab

RDT&E: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation

RFP: Request for Proposals

RMMV: Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle

ROGUE-Fires: Remotely Operated Ground Unit for 

Expeditionary-Fires

RSTA: Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition

S&T: Science and Technology

SYSCOMS: Systems Commands 

TTL&R: Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery

TTP: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

UARC: University Applied Research Center

UAS: Unmanned Aircraft Systems

UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UCAS: Unmanned Combat Air System 

UGV: Unmanned Ground Vehicle

UMAA: Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture

UOC: UUV Operations Center

USMC: United States Marine Corps 

USV: Unmanned Surface Vehicle/Vessel

UUV: Unmanned Undersea Vehicle

UUVRON-1: Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron ONE

UX-24: Air Test & Evaluation Squadron Two Four

UxS: Unmanned Systems

VTOL: Vertical Take-Off and Landing

XLUUV: Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle

36

Unmanned Campaign Framework
A full complement of unmanned LBS Gliders are readied for deployment from a T-AGS Oceanographic Survey Ship. 

Once launched they will support the collection of oceanographic environmental data for up to 90 days.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

Unmanned Campaign Framework