The U.S. Navy is moving quickly to bring artificial intelligence and autonomy into the fleet. What was once confined to research projects now shows up in live exercises, Navy contracts, and even high-profile program setbacks. The mix of promise, risk, and accountability is shaping how leaders plan for the fleet of the future.<\/p>\n
Hard Lessons at Sea<\/p>\n
Autonomy has already proven its value. In 2021, the Navy ran\u00a0Unmanned Integrated Battle Problem<\/a> 21, pairing an MQ-9B Sea Guardian drone with the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton. The drone identified contacts and passed data for strike missions. Rear Adm. James Aiken said the exercise \u201cprovides an operations approach to strengthening our manned-unmanned teaming.\u201d<\/p>\n But in August 2025, the risks were on full display. During a test of drone boats off California, one autonomous vessel stalled and was struck by another, which vaulted over its deck before crashing into the water. A separate incident saw a support boat capsize after a towed drone suddenly accelerated. The failures forced the Navy to pause a $20 million contract with L3Harris, a major defense contractor.<\/p>\n Leadership Shake-Up<\/p>\n Program failures have consequences. In May 2025, the\u00a0Navy relieved Rear Adm. Kevin Smith<\/a>, who oversaw its unmanned and small combatant programs. Officials cited a \u201closs of confidence\u201d in his ability to lead, a rare move at that level. The firing sent a clear message: autonomy programs will be judged not just on vision but on execution.<\/p>\n AI in the Deep<\/p>\n While\u00a0surface drone trials struggle<\/a>, undersea efforts are moving forward. Washington-based startup Spear AI raised $15 million in July 2025 and secured a Navy contract to use artificial intelligence on submarine passive acoustic data. The software helps sort through vast amounts of noisy underwater sounds to distinguish between whales, weather, or potential threats, a capability long sought by submarine crews.<\/p>\n Allies Push Ahead<\/p>\n