The Rise of Uncrewed Naval Systems - An Exclusive Interview With David Manley

In this exclusive interview, Professor David Manley – Technical Authority for Maritime Survivability at the UK Ministry of Defence and Professor of Naval Architecture at University College London – shares his expert perspective on the developing role of uncrewed systems in naval operations.

Manley draws upon his dual expertise in survivability and warship design in order to provide a comprehensive overview of how uncrewed systems (UXVs) are reshaping maritime defence strategy. He outlines the opportunities and limitations of current technologies, noting their growing importance in reducing risk to personnel, enhancing situational awareness, and enabling bold operational decisions.

Key topics addressed in the interview include:

* Strategic wargaming is helping NATO explore and refine the operational use of uncrewed systems.

* Communication challenges remain a major barrier, particularly for underwater UXVs.

* Swarming drone tactics demand urgent investment in cost-effective countermeasures.

* UXVs are offering asymmetric advantages in recent conflicts, including in Ukraine and the Red Sea.

* The underwater domain is seen as the next frontier for innovation, driven by AI and communication advances.

This discussion helped set the stage at Uncrewed Naval Systems 2025, where Professor Manley shared further findings and engaged with global defence leaders on the future of maritime operations. These insights offer a useful indication of the level of expertise and debate you can expect in the room next October at Uncrewed Naval Systems 2026.