Autonomous vulnerability in U.S. maritime defense

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alston Adams signals to an F-35B Lightning II as it takes off from the flight deck of the USS Makin Island in the Indian Ocean, Jan. 12, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristopher S. Haley)

Introduction

Naval warfare is undergoing a profound transformation and is increasingly defined by autonomous systems powered by artificial intelligence. These systems act not as auxiliary tools but as decisive mission actors integrated into the overall operational structure.