On Wednesday Feb 26, the United States Navy (USN) issued a Request for Information (RFI) survey for counter-UXS solutions.
The RFI was issued by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, a component of Naval Sea Systems Command. It reveals the USN is seeking industry solutions to enhance their market awareness and identify potential partners for future test events and demonstrations.
The survey specifically seeks capabilities that are TRL 5 or higher with systems below this level not eligible for assessment. Having met this criteria, there are then 129 potential questions for respondents to answer.
The full list of questions, which can be found here, provide interesting insight into the USN’s thinking regarding counter-UXS solutions. The nature of these questions range from determining system interoperability, ability to detect multiple threats, system cost, collateral damage and operational considerations.
The RFI’s reference to counter-UXS as opposed to counter-UAS acknowledges the threat posed surface and subsurface drones in addition to airborne threats. This has been demonstrated both during the War in Ukraine and by Houthi operations in the Red Sea, where surface and sub surface drones have both been used extensively and have caused significant damage.
The challenge of tackling this threat is exacerbated by the fact that existing C-UAS solutions are not necessarily equipped to handle surface and subsurface drones, or even operate in the maritime environment at all.
The RFI is not NSWC Crane’s first entry into the C-UAS field- they previously awarded CACI an $80.5 million contract back in Dec 21. It is to be hoped this survey provides both the USN and industry with an opportunity to advance this vital field.
Post Image Credit: NSWC Crane
