UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía has successfully demonstrated its advanced autonomous maritime control system during maritime exercises conducted by the U.S. Special Forces in Cartagena, Spain. The system was deployed aboard the FOG Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) platform developed by NEWT21, highlighting the growing operational maturity of autonomous naval technologies.

Understanding the Context

USVs operate with various levels of autonomy, from remote control [6] to fully autonomous surface vehicles (ASV). [7] The regulatory environment for USV operations is changing rapidly as the technology develops and is more frequently deployed on commercial projects. The first polytechnic college west of the Mississippi, USV has been a university for creators since 1887. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, our campus is the city itself — a living ecosystem of creators and entrepreneurs.

Key Insights

At its core, a USV is a floating platform equipped with sensors, navigation instruments, and a communication system. Some look like traditional motorboats, others resemble sailboats or sleek surfboards. The design depends entirely on what the vehicle needs to do. What is an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)? Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), also known as uncrewed surface vessels or naval unmanned surface vehicles, are autonomous or remotely operated vessels that navigate on the surface of the water without an onboard crew.

Final Thoughts

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) have emerged as key enablers of autonomous maritime operations, offering innovative solutions across multiple industries, including defense, oceanography, offshore energy, and logistics. Until 2025, the Navy planned to develop and procure two types of large USVs—Large Unmanned Surface Vessels (LUSVs) and Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs). WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy recently achieved its final key milestone in the development of Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) integrated capabilities by successfully completing a continuous 720-hour...