Coast Guard searching for tech to defeat unmanned underwater vehicles

WASHINGTON — The US Coast Guard wants technology solutions to take down unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) as a way to bolster port security.

While “effective” technologies exist to track and detect UUVs, there are few “tested and fielded” solutions equipped with defeat and mitigation systems, according to a request for information the Coast Guard published on Friday. 

“Malicious actors can employ UUVs for a range of activities, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, smuggling, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and kinetic strikes,” the notice said. “The covert nature and advanced navigation capabilities of modern UUVs make them difficult to detect, track, and mitigate using traditional maritime interdiction tactics. … Defeat technologies are an essential piece in the kill chain, as detection is only the first step to stopping the threat.”

Specifically, the Coast Guard Research and Development Center is seeking details on commercially available tech including sensor platforms, kinetic solutions, and integrated response solutions to support ports, waterways, and coastal security, the notice said. Solutions without defeat capabilities will not be considered, per the notice. 

“Defeat solutions should be scalable and adaptable for compatibility with existing detection systems and/or various configurations for different ports,” the notice added. “At this time, only systems with an effector or with direct mitigating capabilities, or with detection, tracking, identifying, and mitigating capabilities will be considered.” 

This tech is necessary amid an increase in threats from UUVs, the notice said. For example, US forces conducted self-defense strikes against mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, an unmanned surface vessel, and a UUV during a Houthi attack in the Red Sea in February 2024, according to US Central Command. The episode was the first known instance of Houthi forces using a UUV since Houthi attacks started in October 2023, per CENTCOM.

Meanwhile, port security is in the spotlight, particularly after US forces used an unmanned surface vessel to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran this month, marking the first time the US has employed such vessels in combat.

Respondents should share details by Aug. 7 on products or systems available for procurement. The Coast Guard wants solutions that have completed field testing, and can deploy to bolster ports, waterways, and coastal security operations, according to the notice. As a result, the Coast Guard said it may schedule maritime tests for proposed solutions, following responses from the notice.