Israel Navy moves toward semi-autonomous fleet with robotic ships

The Israeli navy is preparing for a future with semi-autonomous and potentially fully autonomous ships, citing growing naval threats and staffing limitations. The IDF stated that expanding the fleet will require fewer human soldiers per vessel, eventually reaching zero or near-zero crew. Elbit Systems' Seagull autonomous vessel is among the technologies being developed. The shift is driven by threats from Turkey, Iran, and the Houthis, and the military's inability to allocate more personnel for additional ships. Other countries like France, Singapore, and the Netherlands are also moving toward autonomous navies, but Israel claims it is more advanced. The IDF acknowledged that robots are a double-edged sword, as adversaries may also use autonomous systems against Israel.

The Israeli navy is preparing for a future with robot-operated ships, moving toward semi-autonomous and eventually nearly fully autonomous operations, the IDF said. The shift is driven by growing naval threats from Turkey, Iran, and the Houthis in Yemen, and by the recognition that the military will not grant additional staffing for more ships. The navy stated that expanding the fleet will require fewer human soldiers per vessel, eventually reaching zero or close to zero crew. Elbit Systems' 12-meter Seagull autonomous surface vessel, designed for patrols of offshore infrastructure for up to four days, is among the technologies being developed. Other countries including France, Singapore, and the Netherlands are also shifting toward autonomous navies, but Israel's navy claims it is more advanced. The IDF acknowledged that robots are a double-edged sword, as enemy forces are also expected to use autonomous systems against Israel. The article also notes that China, Russia, and other countries have explored cutting underwater cables, and Israel is working to expand defense of these cables.