
Integrating Autonomy and Expertise: The Next Phase of Maritime Security
Naval innovation is accelerating at a pace not seen in decades. Between the Department of the Navy’s Science and Technology Board reshaping research investments and the Navy unveiling visions of modular, uncrewed surface attack craft, one thing is clear: the fleet of tomorrow will be vastly different from the fleet of today. Yet amid all the excitement around new hull forms, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, a critical truth risks being overlooked: hardware alone does not secure harbors, deter adversaries, or reassure allies. Success in this new era requires integration, the careful pairing of human expertise with autonomous platforms, operationally proven sensors, and rigorous compliance with maritime security standards. This is