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US special ops eye unmanned vessels with missiles after purported Ukrainian strike
Breaking Defense | English | AcademicThink | May 9, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes
U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is expressing increased interest in unmanned surface vessels (USVs) following Ukraine's recent strike on Russian jets using a USV. This interest was highlighted during the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida, where a USSOCOM official indicated plans to develop USVs capable of launching various kinetic and non-kinetic effects, such as surface-to-air missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The concept, described as a "marsupial capability," involves combining USVs with additional unmanned assets.
Currently, USSOCOM's Program Executive Office-Maritime (PEO-M) has primarily focused on using crewed vessels for launching loitering munitions. The official noted that while there are no existing off-the-shelf solutions for the desired capabilities, efforts are underway to explore commercial options to create effective, cost-efficient systems. However, specific requirements must first be requested by warfighters at the Naval Special Warfare Command (WARCOM), which maintains daily communication with the Ukrainian forces.
At SOF Week, PEO-M shared plans to procure 13 short-endurance and 12 long-endurance small USVs for fiscal year 2027. These vessels will be modified for special operations forces and are intended to operate alongside other Navy maritime platforms. The expo showcased various USVs, including a 38-foot cat-hull model from MARTAC, which can launch UAVs, loitering munitions, and missiles while operating in a stealthy semi-submersible mode. Additionally, MARTAC has begun supplying small USVs to the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) for training.