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Can naval vessels sail on the high seas with lots of weapons but no crew?
Australia has proposed acquiring such vessels, but it’s unclear how they fit within existing international law.
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Simple remote-controlled craft have been used since at least the 1920s, but increasingly sophisticated uncrewed vessels are becoming more common.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Simon McKenzie
The Australian Navy is set to be transformed. On top of existing plans for nuclear submarines, the government on Feb 20 announced a scheme for an “enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet” including six new “optionally crewed” vessels.
The advantages of these vessels, which can operate with or without a crew, are clear. They can operate for longer, with more stealth, and allow military personnel to avoid hostile environments.
