US seeks powerful, commercially available tech that can detect, and defeat underwater drones

The covert nature and advanced navigation capabilities of modern UUVs make them difficult to detect. (Representational image)AlexLMX The United States Coast Guard is taking new steps to strengthen maritime security by exploring advanced technologies designed to detect and stop underwater drones. As unmanned underwater vehicles become more sophisticated and accessible, they are increasingly viewed as a potential threat to ports, naval bases, offshore infrastructure, and other critical maritime assets.Unlike aerial drones, underwater drones operate beneath the surface, making them much harder to locate and monitor. Water limits visibility and weakens the effectiveness of traditional surveillance systems such as radar. This has created a need for specialized technologies that can identify underwater objects, distinguish genuine threats from harmless activity, and respond quickly when necessary. Coast Guard is seeking innovative solutions To address this challenge, the Coast Guard is seeking innovative solutions from industry and research organisations. The goal is to develop systems capable of continuously monitoring underwater environments, detecting suspicious vehicles, tracking their movements, and preventing them from entering restricted or high-security areas. These solutions may combine advanced sonar, artificial intelligence, autonomous sensors, and other emerging technologies to improve underwater situational awareness.The concern over underwater drones has grown as these platforms become capable of performing a wide range of missions. While they have many legitimate uses—including scientific research, environmental monitoring, underwater inspections, and search-and-rescue operations—they can also be misused for espionage, smuggling, sabotage, or attacks on critical infrastructure such as underwater pipelines and communication cables, reported Breaking Defense.The initiative reflects a broader trend in global maritime security. Many countries are investing in autonomous underwater technologies for both defensive and operational purposes. As naval forces modernize, protecting coastlines and underwater infrastructure has become an increasingly important aspect of national security planning. Next-generation counter-drone capabilities Experts believe that future maritime defense will rely on integrated surveillance systems that can rapidly identify and assess underwater threats. Early detection and quick response will be essential for protecting strategic assets and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping routes and coastal facilities.By seeking next-generation counter-drone capabilities, the US Coast Guard is preparing for an evolving security environment in which underwater drones are expected to play a much larger role. Developing effective detection and response systems today will help strengthen maritime security and improve preparedness for future challenges.UUVs are increasingly used in both public and military maritime operations due to their versatility, stealth, and ability to operate in challenging environments. However, the proliferation of UUV technology has introduced new threats to maritime security. Malicious actors can employ UUVs for a range of activities, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, smuggling, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and kinetic strikes, according to details.The covert nature and advanced navigation capabilities of modern UUVs make them difficult to detect, track, and mitigate using traditional maritime interdiction tactics. There are effective technologies with the capability to detect and track UUVs, but few tested and fielded defeat/mitigation systems. Defeat technologies are an essential piece in the kill chain, as detection is only the first step to stopping the threat. The development and deployment of effective C-UUV defeat solutions will enhance maritime domain dominance (MDD), port security, and critical infrastructure protection, enabling reliable response actions to neutralize UUV-based threats. Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.