US and South Korea Unleash High-Tech Warfare: Unmanned Vehicles Take Center Stage at RIMPAC 2024 Live Fire Drill

The ongoing RIMPAC 2024 exercises near the Hawaiian Islands recently spotlighted the operational testing of the Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV), specifically as a high-value unit escort. “With unmanned vehicles, Sailors are able to stay out of harm’s way and we can use unmanned craft to carry out a mission from relative safety,” remarked Lt. Cmdr. Janet VonEiff, the U.S. 3rd Fleet’s experimentation officer who heads the experimentation working group for RIMPAC.

The CUSV deployment took place from the Republic of Korea Navy’s tank landing ship, ROKS Cheon Ja Bong (LST-687). Additionally, the exercise featured an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that provided targeting data and visual confirmation, enabling the CUSV to execute rocket launches at a target on the water. The UAV was also engaged in post-attack battle damage assessments.

This live-fire drill is integral to the U.S. Navy’s broader experimentation program, evaluating the efficacy of the Poniard weapon system for potential incorporation into the fleet’s arsenal.

Both navies orchestrated advanced unmanned scenarios, including detection, tracking, and analysis of targets. The CUSV’s guided rocket launches achieved 100% accuracy, hitting all designated targets.

Lt. Cmdr. VonEiff underscored the significance of such international collaborations. “It’s good for us to see what they are working on and for them to see what we are working on, and we can further advance our capabilities through diverse thinking,” she stated. “We are always looking for partner nations to join in on the experimentation front.”

RIMPAC 2024 sees participation from 29 nations, comprising 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel. Taking place around the Hawaiian Islands from June 27 to August 1, RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise. It offers a unique training landscape, fostering cooperation crucial for the safety of global sea lanes and oceanic security. RIMPAC 2024 marks the 29th iteration of the series since its inception in 1971.