Navy's PACFLT planning unmanned 'fleet battle problem'

U.S. Pacific Fleet is planning a capability demonstration in early 2021 called a "fleet battle problem" centered on unmanned and autonomous capabilities, according to a senior officer.

Rear Adm. Robert Gaucher, director of maritime headquarters at PACLFT, said yesterday during a virtual industry event the exercise will involve aerial, surface and subsurface vehicles as well as command and control elements.

The event is still in the planning phases, but PACFLT will work with the Office of Naval Research to include various payloads and sensors as well as autonomy demonstrations, Gaucher said at a conference hosted by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.