Brazil's navy plans a squadron for uncrewed surface and underwater vessels

The Brazilian Navy plans to create a Maritime Unmanned Systems Squadron to operate uncrewed surface and underwater vessels, under a new Unmanned Systems Force Command in the fleet, Captain Ricardo Simonaio Morata, commander of the Maritime Operations Centre, said at the ARAMUSS event at the Aratu naval base in Salvador.

The command would prepare uncrewed systems and the means to counter them, coordinate training, advise the fleet's commander on doctrine and use, and take part in development and purchases. The squadron would prepare, maintain and operate the vessels and support tests of new systems. Morata said the feasibility has been studied and the projects are being formalised.

The navy already has a squadron of remotely piloted reconnaissance aircraft and a tactical reconnaissance and attack drone squadron.