Expanding maritime threats, including China’s ambitious naval expansion, rising U.S. shipbuilding costs, and Congress’s reluctance to fund a significantly larger fleet, are increasing pressure on the U.S. Navy’s ability to protect the nation’s vital interests.1 “More of the same” when it comes to naval power will not suffice. Only a disruptive application of technology—a force multiplier that will significantly change the way the United States projects air and maritime power—will allow the Navy to overcome these challenges. Fielding a new class of warships that can fully exploit the largely untapped combat potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) would go a long way toward answering the call.
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