'GPS is the first operational link an adversary severs': US Navy tests software that lets drones land on moving ships using onboard cameras alone

Date:
Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:35:00 +0000

Description:
The US Navy has tested software enabling autonomous drones to land on moving ships using onboard cameras and motion sensors without GPS.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter US Navy tests autonomous drone landings on moving ships without GPS Onboard cameras guide drones toward
ships when satellite navigation becomes unavailable New software could reduce reliance on expensive shipboard tracking equipment The US Navy has tested autonomous aircraft capable of completing assigned missions and recovering aboard moving vessels despite satellite navigation being unavailable or disrupted.

The demonstration used onboard cameras, motion sensors, and specialized algorithms to guide an unpiloted aircraft toward a ship experiencing deck movement. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) reported that its software could eliminate expensive shipboard tracking equipment during certain autonomous aircraft recovery operations. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: Software replaces specialised shipboard recovery equipment Traditional shipboard drone recovery can require dedicated tracking hardware, additional landing equipment, and modifications that increase procurement costs and complicate vessel integration.

The Navy previously relied on specialised equipment during autonomous recoveries, including the RQ-8A Fire Scout's historic landing aboard USS Nashville in 2006. You may like UK tests robot boat that can fly its own
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That operation used shipborne radar to establish the aircraft's position relative to the vessel, guiding the unmanned helicopter approached its
landing area.

NAWCAD engineers have developed an alternative that processes visual information through existing aircraft equipment. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The software analyses visual characteristics of the vessel and calculates its movement, allowing the aircraft to adjust its approach before reaching the landing surface.

Its algorithms also estimate deck motion, helping the drone coordinate touchdown with a ship that continues pitching and moving during recovery operations.

Because the system never relies on satellite signals, the same visual
guidance would keep working in the conditions that the Navy expects in a high-end fight at sea. What to read next The US Navy used a swarm of drone boats to seize $81 million worth of cocaine in the Caribbean UK Navy forced
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In a high-end maritime conflict, GPS is the first operational link an adversary attempts to sever, said Peter Arslanian, a NAWCAD aerospace engineer.

In contested areas where satellites and communications are jammed, autonomy gives significant advantage to our sailors, said Rear Adm. Todd Evans, commander of NAWCAD.

The demonstration suggests that onboard sensing and software could lessen reliance on dedicated ship hardware, although the Navy still has to confirm performance during operational testing. Navy prepares technology for larger uncrewed aircraft NAWCAD intends to transfer the capability into operational testing, moving beyond controlled demonstrations toward assessments using aircraft and equipment intended for fleet service.

Potential applications include the Navy's Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems programme and its Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative, which is developing uncrewed aircraft.

The technology could also support the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency's Early VTOL Aircraft Demonstration initiative, known as EVADE.

That programme seeks aircraft capable of taking off from and recovering onto ship decks without requiring conventional launch or recovery equipment.

Five companies, including AeroVironment and Sikorsky, have been associated with the initiative, which seeks practical approaches to operating uncrewed aircraft from maritime platforms.

NAWCAD's proposed software transition could give these programmes another approach to autonomous recovery, although compatibility and reliability must be established across individual aircraft designs.

The Naval Innovative Science and Engineering Program and the Office of Naval Research funded the development effort, which now advances toward operational testing.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/gps-is-the-first-operational-link-an-adversary-s evers-u-s-navy-tests-software-that-lets-drones-land-on-moving-ships-using-onbo ard-cameras-alone


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