At Salaknib 2026, USV swarm showcases maritime security capabilities

CASIGURAN, Philippines — Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division joined Philippine Army units and industry representatives during Salaknib 2026 to demonstrate how autonomous maritime systems can bolster security and protect critical transportation operations in contested environments.

A maritime screen operation in the waters of Casiguran Sound showcased combined integration of emerging technology and strengthened interoperability between the longtime allies. At the center were unmanned surface vessels operated by Soldiers from the 125th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, which deployed a swarm of autonomous boats to establish a security screen as a U.S. Army Logistics Support Vessel approached Casiguran Port.

The mission supported the movement of Philippine Army vehicles and personnel, including armored personnel carriers, from Port Tobaco to Port Casiguran—more than 260 miles—aboard a U.S. Army Logistics Support Vessel. As the vessel transited Casiguran Sound, the autonomous boats spread across a wide perimeter, continuously monitoring the maritime environment and relaying information to onshore personnel.

The operation demonstrated how autonomous systems can extend situational awareness beyond traditional means, providing commanders a clearer understanding of activity across the area of operations. “I think it’s great to integrate this emerging technology in these exercises; it builds trust in the U.S. and partner Soldiers; it also allows us to showcase and validate our systems interoperability between next-gen command and control nodes across all partner nations,” said Ben Outlaw, an industry partner representative supporting the operation. “These boats provide situational awareness to commanders with their ability to find, fix, target, kill, and confirm. With the information the USV provides, the commander’s decision-making process has been compressed from hours to seconds.”

The maritime screen highlighted the growing role autonomous technologies can play in future military operations. Rather than relying solely on manned platforms, multiple autonomous vessels can operate simultaneously to maintain persistent awareness across large maritime areas. During the operation, the USVs navigated autonomously while using onboard sensors to detect and report potential threats or anomalies. Information collected by the vessels was transmitted in near real time to support continuous awareness and informed decision-making.

For Soldiers operating the systems, the exercise provided practical experience integrating advanced technology in a multinational setting. “I’ve really enjoyed working with the USVs during Salaknib 2026,” said Pvt. Caleb Hannah, 125th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. “We deployed the autonomous intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance boats to provide security for landing craft today. They escorted the LSV to port from about six miles out, allowing Philippine vehicles to roll onto the dock.”

Salaknib 2026 offers U.S. and Philippine forces opportunities to train together across multiple domains, enhancing readiness and reinforcing the alliance. The maritime screen mission demonstrated how emerging technologies can be integrated into combined operations to improve security, increase operational flexibility, and expand commanders’ options during future contingencies. It also reflects the broader goals of the exercise, which highlights the enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance and emphasizes interoperability and readiness through combined arms operations, multi-domain integration, and humanitarian assistance efforts for regional stability.