Task Group 59.1 Unleashes Digital Talon 3.0

The U.S. Navy’s ambitious Digital Talon 3.0 exercise recently unfolded in expansive waters, seeking to forge new paths in robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) capabilities. This latest iteration focused on enhancing over-the-horizon communications between unmanned platforms and showcasing the aerial launch and recovery prowess of drones from unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Such endeavors underscore the increasingly sophisticated integration of unmanned technologies in maritime operations.

According to Lt. Luis Echeverria, commanding officer of Task Group 59.1, the exercises stretched the known boundaries of unmanned systems. “We successfully tested the remote launch of a loitering munition and the vertical take-off and landing of UAVs from a USV,” he stated. These advancements symbolize the relentless push towards operational excellence and innovative warfare strategies.

Digital Talon 3.0 enlisted support from several key maritime entities, including the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Devastator and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell. These vessels, known for their agility and precision, provide vital backing in executing complex maritime maneuvers.

This exercise is a continuation of the pioneering journey begun with the first Digital Talon exercise, which commenced in October 2023. Each iteration builds on its predecessor, honing both lethal and kinetic applications for unmanned systems. Royal Navy Lt. Samuel Hendy, executive officer of TG 59.1, remarked on the inherent challenges faced, emphasizing that each hurdle surmounted strengthens the operational framework. “Digital Talon 3.0 reaffirms our position at the forefront of unmanned system integration,” Hendy said, stressing the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a tactical edge.

Task Group 59.1, known as “The Pioneers,” has remained steadfast in its mission since its inception in January 2024. Reporting to Task Force 59, the Navy’s first entity focused on unmanned and artificial intelligence operations, TG 59.1 plays a pivotal role in testing and deploying unmanned systems in tandem with human operators. Their efforts enhance maritime security across a broad geographical landscape, encompassing critical waterways in the Middle East.

With a staggering area of operations that spans approximately 2.5 million square miles, the U.S. 5th Fleet faces unique challenges and opportunities. The region, covering vital waterways like the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Oman, includes pivotal maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. These exercises solidify the Navy’s commitment to leveraging technology for heightened maritime security and freedom of navigation.