The US Navy has established a new command to speed the integration of robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) into maritime operations, according to the service’s announcement. The Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) launched the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
A Fleet-facing integration point
RASWDC is an Echelon 3 command under US Fleet Forces Command. It will act as the Navy’s dedicated operational link for robotic and autonomous capabilities. The CNO said the command will give Sailors the tactical edge, training and doctrine they need “to win the high-end fight.”
The centre works alongside the recently announced Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS). That office holds portfolio authority over RAS acquisition, requirements, budgeting, technical standards and fielding. RASWDC concentrates on how forces employ the systems.
Closing the feedback loop
The two organisations form a direct channel between acquisition and operational units. RASWDC will collect lessons from testing, experimentation and training, then pass performance data back to developers and programme managers.
The Navy framed the mission around three priorities:
- The Foundry: linking operational experience to future capability development.
- The Fleet: testing systems in representative environments and coordinating across warfare communities.
- The Fight: writing the doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures, and the tactical instruction framework, needed to certify and deploy platforms.
Leadership and next steps
The CNO named Rear Admiral Melvin Smith as the first commander. He is running a phased plan covering command structure, mission relationships and resources as the centre works towards full operational capability. Smith said the aim is to consolidate the Navy’s autonomous efforts across air, surface and undersea domains in one location.
RASWDC will not replace existing Warfighting Development Centres, Type Commanders, Systems Commands or operational commands. It will coordinate with them to fold in new requirements and share lessons.
Learn more on the U.S. Navy website
