In recent years, the U.S. Navy has been at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies into its operational frameworks, particularly focusing on uncrewed systems and electronic warfare. The Silent Swarm 2024 event, held from July 15 to 26 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Alpena, Michigan, exemplifies this commitment. This exercise aimed to test and evaluate early-stage electronic spectrum technology offerings from various industries, with the overarching goal of enhancing the Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities through the use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and drone boats.
Historical Context and Evolution of Silent Swarm
Silent Swarm 2024 is the third iteration of this annual exercise, following its inception in 2022. The evolution of this event reflects the Navy’s growing interest and investment in uncrewed systems. The inaugural Silent Swarm in 2022 was a relatively small exercise, featuring 17 technologies and approximately 150 participants. The following year saw a significant expansion, with 31 technologies and 300 participants. This year, Silent Swarm 2024 hosted over 57 technologies and more than 500 participants, indicating the increasing importance and scale of these exercises.
The primary objective of Silent Swarm is to create an environment where industry, government labs, and academia can collaborate and experiment with new technologies. The focus has shifted from initial kinetic warfare scenarios to incorporating advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, driven by the realization that EW technologies can have a profound impact on modern warfare. This transition is exemplified by the integration of uncrewed systems carrying low-cost jammers and smart sensors, capable of executing distributed electromagnetic attacks and deception operations.
Technological Demonstrations and Industry Participation
Silent Swarm 2024 featured a diverse array of participants from both the civilian and military sectors. Key industry players included L3Harris Technologies, Anduril Industries, Silvus Technologies, G3 Technologies, Starlink, and Northrop Grumman. These companies showcased their technological offerings and received real-time feedback from experts and representatives from various branches of the U.S. military, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.
Images released by Seasats, a manufacturer of small boats, depicted several of their uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) equipped with payloads designed by the aforementioned manufacturers. Additionally, Northrop Grumman shared video footage from the event showcasing the integration of USVs and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) with various payload configurations. This integration highlighted the potential of these technologies in enhancing the capabilities of uncrewed systems in electronic warfare operations.
Operational Sandbox Environment and Evaluation Criteria
The technologies tested at Silent Swarm 2024 operated within an “operationally-relevant sandbox environment,” which encompassed land, air, sea, undersea, cyber, and space domains. The Department of Defense outlined that this year’s exercise focused on evaluating technologies for enhanced sensing, precision navigation and timing (PNT), delivery and resilience to non-kinetic effects, autonomy, and electronic warfare-enabled cyber operations for both autonomous and semi-autonomous operations.
Naval Sea Systems Command provided a detailed outline of the evaluation criteria for these technologies last year. The criteria included:
- Distributed Electromagnetic Attack (EA): Delivery of electromagnetic energy, including high-power microwave, to deny, degrade, disrupt, and deceive an adversary’s capabilities via high-mobility platforms. This involved using many small autonomous vehicles carrying low-cost jammers and smart sensors to hinder adversary spectrum sensing.
- Deception: Creating chaos and confusion in the spectrum through RF means, targeting adversary situational awareness, command and control, and decision-making processes to enable friendly force freedom of maneuver. This included using distributed, low-observable deception devices to obscure, give false targets, and create clutter.
- Digital Payload Delivery: Using digital capabilities in support of electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) to blind, see, or target the adversary by degrading their ability to utilize the electromagnetic spectrum and share information over tactical edge networks.
Detailed Analysis of Key Technologies and Their Impact
Distributed Electromagnetic Attack (EA)
The concept of distributed electromagnetic attack involves the delivery of electromagnetic energy through high-mobility platforms, such as small autonomous vehicles equipped with jammers and sensors. This approach aims to deny, degrade, disrupt, and deceive adversary capabilities. The key advantage of using multiple small platforms is their ability to create a more resilient and adaptive network of EW assets, which can be more challenging for adversaries to detect and counter.
During Silent Swarm 2024, various technologies were demonstrated to achieve these objectives. For instance, L3Harris Technologies showcased their advanced jamming systems capable of targeting multiple frequencies simultaneously. These systems were integrated into USVs and UAVs, allowing for a dynamic and flexible deployment in different operational scenarios.
Deception Operations
Deception operations are crucial in modern warfare, where the ability to mislead and confuse the adversary can provide significant tactical advantages. Silent Swarm 2024 demonstrated several deception technologies designed to target adversary situational awareness, command and control, and decision-making processes.
Anduril Industries, known for their innovation in autonomous systems, presented their low-observable deception devices. These devices can create false targets and clutter, making it difficult for adversaries to maintain an accurate picture of the operational environment. The ability to deploy these devices through USVs and UAVs further enhances their effectiveness by enabling widespread and rapid distribution.
Digital Payload Delivery
Digital payload delivery focuses on using digital capabilities to support electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). The goal is to blind, see, or target the adversary by degrading their ability to utilize the electromagnetic spectrum and share information over tactical edge networks.
Silvus Technologies demonstrated their high-capacity, secure communication systems that can be used in conjunction with other EW assets to disrupt adversary communications and data sharing. These systems are designed to be resilient against jamming and interference, ensuring that friendly forces can maintain superior situational awareness and coordination.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The Navy has been investing heavily in a distributed, networked, cooperative electronic warfare ecosystem for several years, extending across various domains. This includes ship-mounted systems like the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block III (SEWIP Block III) and podded capabilities for aircraft like the AN/ALQ-248 Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare (AOEW) system. Uncrewed systems, including expendable types like the Long Endurance Electronic Decoy (LEED), have also been a significant focus. These investments represent a significant leap forward in electronic warfare capabilities.
Integration with Broader Navy Efforts
The Navy’s interest in drone technologies, particularly smaller types of UAVs and USVs, has grown in recent years. The potential to network these drones into highly autonomous swarms, as demonstrated during Silent Swarm 2024, is particularly valuable in scenarios such as defending Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion. In such scenarios, swarms of relatively low-cost drones networked together can significantly enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
For example, in May, the Navy established its second Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. At that time, USVRON-3 received the first four of what are expected to be “hundreds” of small USVs that will eventually deploy and operate with the surface force’s guided-missile destroyers. Swarms of these kinds of drones, armed with various electronic warfare technologies, would be critical in a potential future conflict in the Pacific, likely involving China. Wargames conducted by the U.S. military in the past have underlined the value of swarms of relatively low-cost drones networked together; particularly during simulations of the defense of Taiwan against a Chinese invasion.
At the broader level, INDOPACOM already has plans to turn the airspace and waters around Taiwan into a “hellscape” should China invade it. This would involve using masses of uncrewed platforms to “turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using a number of classified capabilities,” Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, INDOPACOM’s top officer, revealed on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore earlier this year, “so that I can make their lives utterly miserable for a month, which buys me the time for the rest of everything.”Given the urgency with which the Navy expects to need such capabilities in the near future, it’s unlikely the wait will be long to see which technologies experimented with at Silent Swarm 2024 will be adapted for combat use.
Conclusions and Strategic Insights
Silent Swarm 2024 represents a critical step forward in the Navy’s exploration and development of uncrewed systems and electronic warfare capabilities. By integrating and testing a wide range of technologies in an operationally relevant environment, the Navy aims to enhance its ability to operate in complex and contested environments. The insights gained from this exercise will be instrumental in shaping the future of naval warfare, particularly in the context of electronic warfare and autonomous systems. The continued evolution and expansion of Silent Swarm exercises underscore the Navy’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain a strategic advantage in future conflicts.
The future of naval warfare is likely to be heavily influenced by the successful integration of these advanced uncrewed systems and electronic warfare capabilities. As these technologies continue to develop and mature, their impact on operational strategies and tactical decisions will be profound. The Navy’s proactive approach to experimenting with and adopting these technologies ensures that it remains at the forefront of military innovation and maintains its edge in an increasingly complex global security environment.
In conclusion, Silent Swarm 2024 has not only demonstrated the potential of uncrewed systems and electronic warfare but has also provided a roadmap for their future integration into naval operations. The lessons learned and the technologies tested during this exercise will play a crucial role in enhancing the Navy’s capabilities and readiness for future conflicts.
APPENDIX 1 – Overview of Silent Swarm 2024
Event Description: Silent Swarm 2024 is an annual U.S. Navy exercise focused on testing and evaluating early-stage electromagnetic spectrum technologies integrated into unmanned systems. Held from July 15 to 26, 2024, at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, the event involves collaboration between various military branches, civilian agencies, and industry partners.
Objectives:
- Evaluate technologies for enhanced sensing, precision navigation and timing (PNT), and resilience to non-kinetic effects.
- Test autonomy and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in unmanned systems.
- Improve spectrum maneuver and resilience capabilities for military personnel.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The table below provides detailed information on the technologies and capabilities demonstrated during Silent Swarm 2024.
| Category | Specification/Capability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic Attack | Distributed Electromagnetic Attack (EA) | Delivery of high-power microwave energy via high-mobility platforms to deny, degrade, disrupt, and deceive adversary capabilities. Multiple small autonomous vehicles carrying low-cost jammers and smart sensors. |
| Deception | Spectrum Deception | Capabilities to create chaos and confusion in the spectrum through RF means, targeting adversary situational awareness, command and control, and decision-making processes. Low-observable deception devices to obscure, give false targets, and create clutter. |
| Digital Payload Delivery | Digital Payload Delivery | Capabilities to support EMSO, blinding, seeing, or targeting the adversary by degrading their ability to utilize the electromagnetic spectrum and share information over tactical edge networks. |
| Platforms | Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) | Small boats equipped with payloads designed for electromagnetic operations. Examples include Seasats’ USVs. |
| Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles | UAV Integration | Various payload configurations demonstrated, including Northrop Grumman’s UAVs equipped with electronic warfare systems. |
| Operational Environment | Multi-Domain Testing Environment | Testing conducted in land, air, sea, undersea, cyber, and space domains to simulate operationally relevant scenarios. |
| Performance Metrics | Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) | Technologies at TRL 2-5 were tested, indicating early-stage development but progressing towards operational capability. |
| Participants | Industry and Military Collaboration | Over 500 participants, including representatives from L3Harris Technologies, Anduril Industries, Silvus Technologies, G3 Technologies, Starlink, and Northrop Grumman. Feedback from U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. |
| Technological Focus | Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) | Emphasis on evaluating and enhancing EMSO capabilities across various platforms and domains. |
| Experimentation Goals | Learning and Adaptation | Creating an environment for rapid experimentation, learning from successes and failures, and adapting technologies for future operational use. |
Additional Insights
Technology Integration: Silent Swarm 2024 showcased the integration of various technologies into unmanned systems, highlighting the potential for distributed and networked electronic warfare operations. This includes the use of high-power microwave systems, low-cost jammers, smart sensors, and digital payload delivery mechanisms.
Future Prospects: The insights gained from Silent Swarm 2024 will be instrumental in shaping future naval operations, particularly in the context of electronic warfare and unmanned systems. The Navy’s continued investment in these technologies aims to enhance its strategic capabilities in complex and contested environments.
APPENDIX 2 – Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) for Warfare: Detailed Scheme Table
| Country | Manufacturer | Model | Propulsion System | Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) | Capabilities | Technical Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Austal USA & L3Harris | Overlord USV Vanguard | Autonomous, Hybrid-electric | 60-91m x TBD x TBD | Autonomous operations, missile launchers | Advanced AI navigation, endurance tests completed, integrated with Carrier Strike Groups |
| Fincantieri Marinette Marine | LUSV | Diesel-electric hybrid | 60-91m x TBD x TBD | Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Strike Warfare (STW) | 30-day propulsion endurance tests, distributed maritime operations support | |
| UK | ACUA Ocean | Pioneer-class | Hybrid-electric, hydrogen or low-emission diesel | 14m x TBD x TBD | Modular payloads, high stability | Patented SWATH design, superior sea-keeping stability, sea trials scheduled for Q4 2024 |
| Maelstrom | Hybrid-electric, scalable | 24m x TBD x TBD | Long-endurance missions | Enhanced capabilities for commercial and defense, service entry in 2026 | ||
| Israel | IAI | Multiple Models | Various (diesel, hybrid) | Varies | Reconnaissance, surveillance, combat | Advanced navigation systems, integrated C5ISR capabilities, multi-domain applications |
| Norway | Maritime Robotics | Multiple Models | Autonomous, various types | Varies | Data acquisition, environmental monitoring | Integrated maritime sensors, adaptable to various sea conditions |
| France | Exail | DriX 0-16 | Autonomous, hybrid-electric | Varies | Long-duration transoceanic missions | Evolution of DriX series, enhanced endurance and payload capacity |
| Turkey | Aselsan | Albatros-S Swarm | Autonomous, diesel-electric | Varies | Swarm operations, coordinated missions | Demonstrated swarm capabilities, includes USV “MIR”, advanced coordination |
| South Korea | LIG Nex1 | Haegum (Sea Sword) | Hybrid-electric | Varies | Anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance | Advanced sonar and surveillance systems, integrated with other naval assets |
| China | CSSC | JARI USV | Diesel-electric hybrid | 15m x TBD x TBD | Anti-submarine, anti-ship, reconnaissance | Armed with torpedoes and missiles, advanced radar and sensor systems |
| Russia | Kalashnikov Concern | Burevestnik-M | Hybrid-electric | 10.5m x TBD x TBD | Surveillance, electronic warfare | Advanced electronic warfare capabilities, modular payloads |
| India | DRDO | Multiple Models | Diesel-electric hybrid | Varies | Coastal surveillance, mine countermeasures | Integrated with coastal defense systems, modular payload capabilities |
Detailed Technical Data and Capabilities
United States: Overlord USV Vanguard
- Manufacturer: Austal USA & L3Harris
- Capabilities: Designed for autonomous operations from the keel-up, integrated with missile launchers for anti-surface and strike warfare, part of US Navy’s USV Division 1 for tactical development.
- Technical Details: Advanced AI-based navigation, COLREGS-compliant automatic collision avoidance, long-endurance missions, and robust autonomy solutions .
United Kingdom: ACUA Ocean Pioneer-Class and Maelstrom
- Pioneer-Class:
- Propulsion System: Hybrid-electric with options for hydrogen or low-emission diesel.
- Capabilities: Modular design with SWATH hull for high stability and payload versatility.
- Technical Details: Outperforms monohull vessels in sea-keeping stability, cost-effective, scheduled for sea trials in Q4 2024.
- Maelstrom:
- Propulsion System: Hybrid-electric, scalable.
- Capabilities: Long-endurance missions for commercial and defense.
- Technical Details: Enhanced capabilities, entering service in 2026.
Israel: IAI Uncrewed Surface Vessels
- Capabilities: Comprehensive solutions for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat roles with advanced navigation and control systems.
- Technical Details: Integrated C5ISR systems, multi-domain operational capabilities .
France: Exail DriX 0-16
- Capabilities: Designed for long-duration, transoceanic missions with high endurance and payload capacity.
- Technical Details: Evolution of the DriX series, suitable for both commercial and defense applications.
Turkey: Aselsan Albatros-S Swarm
Technical Details: Demonstrated swarm capabilities with new USV models like “MIR”, enhancing operational coordination and effectiveness.
Capabilities: Coordinated swarm operations for advanced naval warfare.
