Unmanned surface vessels (USV) still lag far behind their aerial equivalents in terms of technical capabilities, technology, and deployment. However, new threats, cost-benefit calculations, operational experiences in the past decade, and new technological developments are driving rapid growth in the market.
USV may be used instead of manned vessels not only for defense but also in Homeland Security (HLS), security, and civil applications such as vessel monitoring, law enforcement (drugs, piracy), and enforcement of fishing and environmental laws.
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USV (or UASs) will undoubtedly be a growing and dominant technology trend at sea, on land and in the air. However, PPPPP, need to plan and prepare for the consequences and challenges of this technology (cultural, doctrinal, legal, environmental, privacy, etc), before the rapid impacts of this fast evolving technology revolution outrun current thinking and acceptable use and behaviour. Remember, each new technology can be a double-edged sword that could bite back if not understood and controlled from the get-go.
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