The US Navy has successfully launched and lifted the Yellow Moray unmanned underwater vehicle through the torpedo tube of a Virginia-class submarine for the first time

In February 2025, in the area of operations of the European Command of the United States Armed Forces (EUCOM) off the coast of Norway, the Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) successfully launched and surfaced the Yellow Moray unmanned underwater vehicle (UAV) through a standard torpedo tube for the first time in history.

During a series of launches, each lasting up to 10 hours, the submarine contacted and retrieved the Yellow Moray three times, demonstrating the high reliability and efficiency of interaction between the submarine and the unmanned vehicle. This operation was a significant breakthrough in the development of underwater unmanned technologies and expands the capabilities of the US Navy in conducting reconnaissance and strike missions.

The Yellow Moray UAV has high speed and maneuverability, which allows it to perform tasks in difficult underwater conditions, including reconnaissance, surveillance and potential strikes. Using a standard torpedo tube to launch and lift the vehicle facilitates the integration of drones into the existing fleet without the need for significant modifications.

This success opens up new prospects for expanding the capabilities of the US submarine forces and increasing their effectiveness in modern conditions of conducting naval operations.