Israel Navy moves toward semi-autonomous fleet with robotic ships

The Israeli Navy is transitioning towards a semi-autonomous fleet, with ambitions to become nearly fully autonomous, according to the IDF. This shift is driven by the need to counter growing naval threats from actors like Turkey, Iran, and the Houthis, and to expand its fleet without increasing personnel. Autonomous vessels, such as Elbit Systems' Seagull, are being developed for various missions including mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare. While other nations like France and Singapore are also pursuing naval autonomy, Israel claims its progress in robotics and autonomous operations is more advanced. The long durations ships spend at sea also make autonomous operations appealing. However, the IDF acknowledges that the use of robots presents a "double-edged sword," as adversaries are also expected to deploy similar technologies, creating new challenges for Israel's defense, including the protection of underwater cables.