U.S. Navy autonomous maritime demonstrations at RIMPAC 2026

During the 2026 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, the U.S. Navy showcased two distinct applications of autonomous maritime technology. On 21 July, the Naval Postgraduate School’s CAMRE consortium and the Navy’s FLEETWERX program demonstrated a digitally‑crewed surface vessel (DCSV) resupplying a Navy ship after on‑board manufacturing of parts, highlighting faster, flexible logistics for contested environments.

Five days later, on 26 July, the focus shifted to combat capabilities. The Navy employed autonomous lethal drones to sink the decommissioned amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu, combining drone strikes with missiles such as LRASM, Harpoon and Spike. The exercise also introduced the armed unmanned sea vehicle “Surveyor,” equipped with a JAGM missile launcher, and announced a U.S.–Ukrainian partnership to produce maritime drones domestically. The progression illustrates a rapid expansion from autonomous logistics to lethal autonomous strike platforms within the same RIMPAC series.