More Ships, Manned and Unmanned

As I often do, I turn this space over to my professional self this day, and think out loud a bit about a remarkable event last week in Washington DC when the Indo-Pacific Commander ADM Sam Paparo brought some big medicine to the think tank community. I spend an awful lot of time listening to people who swear that Navy ships are obsolete, that we need to get rid of many of them, harvest the savings, and buy more unmanned capability. My answer is always the same—we need both, and we need them badly. It was gratifying to hear that ADM Paparo agrees.

In an era where technological advancements, particularly unmanned platforms, are reshaping military strategies, the enduring necessity of traditional naval assets—amphibious ships, destroyers, frigates, aircraft carriers, and logistics ships—remains paramount. Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized this point during his address at the Brookings Institution on November 19, 2024.

His insights underscore that while unmanned systems offer significant advantages, they cannot wholly supplant the multifaceted roles fulfilled by manned vessels in ensuring maritime superiority.

The Strategic Imperative of Manned Naval Platforms

The vast expanse of the Indo-Pacific theater presents unique challenges that necessitate a robust and versatile naval presence. Admiral Paparo highlighted that smaller unmanned platforms are insufficient to address the complexities of this region. He stated, "Everybody is stuck in this paradigm of either or," emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates both manned and unmanned systems.

Manned platforms offer several critical capabilities:

1. Power Projection: Aircraft carriers serve as sovereign airfields, enabling the projection of air power without reliance on foreign bases. This capability is crucial for deterrence and rapid response to emerging threats.

2. Sea Control: Destroyers and frigates are essential for establishing and maintaining control over vital sea lanes, ensuring the free flow of commerce and the ability to counter adversarial naval forces.

3. Amphibious Operations: Amphibious ships provide the means to project ground forces ashore, a capability vital for responding to crises, humanitarian assistance, and, if necessary, forcible entry operations.

4. Sustainment: Logistics ships are the lifeline of naval operations, supplying fuel, ammunition, and provisions, thereby enabling sustained operations over extended periods and distances.

The Role of Unmanned Systems

Unmanned platforms, including drones and autonomous vessels, offer significant advantages such as reduced risk to personnel, extended operational endurance, and the ability to operate in denied environments. In confined spaces or specific scenarios, they can complement manned platforms effectively. However, Admiral Paparo cautioned against an overreliance on unmanned systems, particularly in the expansive Indo-Pacific region. He noted that while unmanned systems are valuable, they cannot replace the comprehensive capabilities provided by manned vessels.

Integrating Manned and Unmanned Systems

The future of naval warfare lies in the seamless integration of manned and unmanned systems. This hybrid approach leverages the strengths of both, enhancing overall operational effectiveness. For instance, unmanned systems can conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, providing real-time data to manned platforms, which can then execute complex tasks requiring human judgment and decision-making.

Admiral Paparo emphasized the importance of maintaining air and maritime superiority, stating that the U.S. must not "quit on everything else in the Pacific" in favor of unmanned systems alone. This perspective aligns with the broader strategic view that while technology evolves, the fundamental principles of naval power projection and command/control remain constant.

Challenges and Considerations

The integration of unmanned systems into naval operations presents several challenges:

1. Command and Control: Ensuring secure and reliable communication links between manned and unmanned platforms is critical, particularly in contested environments where adversaries may attempt to disrupt these connections.

2. Logistics and Sustainment: Unmanned systems require support infrastructure, including maintenance and data processing facilities. Establishing this infrastructure without overburdening existing logistics chains is a complex task.

3. Legal and Ethical Issues: The deployment of autonomous systems raises questions regarding rules of engagement, accountability, and compliance with international law.

These challenges are surmountable, and there is considerable work ongoing to overcome them. Were they to be overcome, the U.S. would still have a requirement for a large and powerful Navy replete with manned platforms.

The incoming administration should return to the basic outlines of Navy force structure that it attempted to implement in the first term by building more ships from hot production lines even as we double down on unmanned capability. The Navy’s string of self-inflicted wounds (2017-2020) (including collisions, war-crimes charges, and questionable judgment/conduct by two Secretaries of the Navy) got in the way of that effort. A new effort with a more adroit team should be mounted.

Admiral Paparo's insights underscore the enduring relevance of traditional naval platforms in conjunction with emerging unmanned technologies. A balanced force structure that integrates both manned and unmanned systems is essential to address the multifaceted challenges of the Indo-Pacific region. As the strategic environment continues to evolve, maintaining a versatile and capable naval force remains a cornerstone of national security.