A NAVY warship has launched a never-before-seen attack drone as the US continues to ramp up its deadly remote-bombing technology.
Footage shows the huge USS Santa Barbara stationed in the Middle East firing off the suspected kamikaze drone in the middle of the Arabian Gulf.
The moment a Navy warship launches a never-before-seen attack drone in the Middle East
Credit: X/CENTCOM
The suspected kamikaze drone was seen soaring in the air – leaving behind a trail of smoke
Credit: X/CENTCOM
It was fired from the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara during routine operations in the region
Credit: Alamy
The fiery aerial weapon shot off in the sky before soaring away with a trail of smoke left in its path.
It is indeed the first time the one-way attack drone has been launched from a ship at sea,the Navy confirmed.
Dubbed the Task Force Scorpion Strike squadron, Navy personnel launched a Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS), from the flight deck of the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara during routine operations in the region.
The exercise was coordinated between US naval Forces Central Command and the US 5th Fleet (NAVCENT/C5F) on December 16.
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the US navy has begun utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) on the USS Fitzgerald, a guided-missile destroyer, marking a significant step towards integrating AI into naval operations.This innovative programme, designed to predict and prevent maintenance issues, comes as the US military conducts strikes against ISIS targets in Syria following attacks on American forces. The USS Santa Barbara is also actively monitoring critical maritime regions.
AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance on the USS Fitzgerald
The USS Fitzgerald, commissioned in January 1994, has been equipped with an AI system developed by the Pentagon to proactively address potential mechanical failures. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/33138473/first-warship-ai-us-navy/ The system functions by continuously collecting 10,000 sensor readings per second from across the ship, encompassing the hull, mechanical components, and electrical systems.
This data is then analyzed by a machine learning algorithm that identifies patterns and anomalies indicative of impending maintenance needs. The AI provides recommendations to the crew, enabling them to address issues before thay escalate into major malfunctions, ultimately maximizing operational readiness and reducing downtime. This represents a shift from reactive maintenance to a proactive, predictive approach.
Recent US Military Action in Syria
The deployment of the AI system coincides with recent US military action in Syria. Following an attack that resulted in the deaths of three American service members, the US launched retaliatory strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets.https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/37694256/us-airstrikes-syria-retaliation-americans-killed/
Operation Hawkeye Strike, as it was designated, aimed to dismantle ISIS infrastructure and eliminate fighters involved in the attack. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/37625247/us-troops-under-fire-syria-attacker-shot/ The strikes were executed by a combination of US Air Force assets – including F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10C Thunderbolts – alongside Army helicopters and artillery rocket systems.
Sources indicate the initial strikes targeted storage facilities and other ISIS infrastructure, with further actions anticipated. Former President Donald Trump affirmed the US response on Truth Social, stating the US was delivering “very serious retaliation” against those responsible for the attack.
USS Santa Barbara Monitors Strategic Waterways
The USS Santa Barbara is currently deployed to monitor key strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in Yemen.https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/33138473/first-warship-ai-us-navy/ These chokepoints are vital for global trade and maritime security, and the USS Santa BarbaraS presence contributes to regional stability and the protection of vital shipping lanes.
The integration of AI into warships like the USS Fitzgerald signals a broader trend within the US Navy towards embracing advanced technologies. Predictive maintenance powered by AI offers several advantages:
* Reduced Costs: By preventing major breakdowns, the AI system can considerably lower maintenance and repair expenses.
* Increased operational Availability: Proactive maintenance keeps ships operational for longer periods, enhancing thier ability to respond to global events.
* Enhanced Safety: Identifying potential issues before they become critical can improve crew safety and prevent accidents.
The US Navy’s exploration of AI extends beyond maintenance, with ongoing research into AI-powered systems for navigation, threat detection, and autonomous operations. These advancements are poised to reshape naval warfare and enhance the US military’s capabilities in the years to come.
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