The U.S. Navy has announced the future deployment of a torpedo-tube launch-and-recovery (TTL&R) uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) on an operational submarine, set to commence by the end of 2024.
Historically, submarines have utilized UUVs, but the new TTL&R system will simplify deployment and retrieval, enhancing the submarine's capability, reach, and maneuverability in underwater operations.
Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, Commander of Submarine Forces for the U.S. Navy, revealed at the Combined Naval Event 2024, Farnborough, UK, that the USS Delaware would be the first submarine to install and deploy this new UUV capability. "We’re going to install UUVs on a submarine, USS Delaware, starting in a couple of weeks, and they will deploy by the end of the year," he stated. The USS Delaware, a Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) commissioned in April 2020, is the 18th in a planned fleet of 66 Virginia-class hulls.
Vice Admiral Gaucher emphasized that integrating SSN-based UUV capability is a critical development priority for the U.S. Navy’s future operational posture. Gaucher stated the U.S. submarine force is not operating enough UUVs, signaling a significant shift toward more frequent and advanced UUV operations.
In 2024, this development process will accelerate, with USS Delaware’s deployment involving an Huntington Ingall’s Industries’ REMUS 600 UUV, a type of UUV that was successfully tested from Delaware’s torpedo tube in late 2023. "The intent is we’ll start installing it in about a month, Delaware will deploy about six months later, and then – when the boat gets over to the European theatre – we’re going to look for opportunities to do exercises," Vice Admiral Gaucher explained. The UUVs will be used in various exercises and operational tasks determined by regional commanders.
The U.S. Navy conducted its second successful TTL&R capability test with USS Delaware in December 2023, following the first test earlier that month in the Pacific. Vice Admiral Gaucher highlighted the importance of the TTL&R capability in integrating UUVs, an emerging technology primarily developed in the commercial sector, into regular naval operations.
The TTL&R system is part of new technologies under Pillar 2 of the trilateral AUKUS (Australia/UK/US) strategic partnership, demonstrating how the three navies are moving towards delivering outputs from this partnership. TTL&R for UUVs will also enable SSNs to participate in subsea and seabed warfare operations, addressing the need to defend underwater infrastructure.
Vice Admiral Gaucher stressed the push toward more exercises and development of uncrewed activity. This deployment marks a significant advancement in the U.S. Navy’s capabilities, promising enhanced operational effectiveness and the integration of cutting-edge technology in underwater defense.
