The US Navy has received the first unmanned Lionfish underwater vehicles: a new stage in the development of underwater warfare

 

Two small unmanned underwater vehicles (SUUV) of the Lionfish

The American shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries has officially handed over the first two small unmanned underwater vehicles (SUUV) of the Lionfish series to the US Navy. This step marks an important milestone in modernizing the capabilities of underwater naval warfare and demonstrates the United States' commitment to introducing innovative technologies into the military sphere.

The Lionfish program, developed in partnership with the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense Innovation (DIU), aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced commercial technologies adapted for military missions. Lionfish drones have a high degree of autonomy and can be used for a wide range of operations, including reconnaissance, surveillance, mine reconnaissance and countering underwater threats.

The initial delivery of two devices is only the beginning of a large-scale project. It is estimated that the program can be expanded to 200 units, which will significantly increase the capabilities of the US Navy in the field of underwater operations. The potential value of the contract exceeds $347 million, which underlines the strategic importance of this area.

The development of Lionfish reflects current trends in military affairs, where unmanned technologies are becoming a key element of combat operations. These devices are capable of operating independently or as part of coordinated groups, which minimizes risks to humans and increases the efficiency of tasks.

Analytical experts note that the introduction of such systems gives the United States a significant advantage in the face of growing competition in naval theaters of operations. The Lionfish program also demonstrates the ability of the American defense industry to quickly adapt commercial technologies to meet complex military challenges.

Given the growing interest in underwater unmanned systems from other countries, including China and Russia, the Lionfish program is an important step in ensuring the technological leadership of the United States. It also opens up new prospects for further developments in the field of autonomous underwater vehicles.