US Navy develops underwater 'kill web' with drones and missiles to counter China

The U.S. Navy is pioneering a novel underwater combat strategy to counter China's expanding submarine force. During the 2026 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the Navy demonstrated a new concept that combines Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) with submarine-launched UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

This "man-unmanned teaming" approach aims to establish a distributed underwater "kill web." In this system, forward-deployed UUVs would conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in high-threat areas. They would relay enemy vessel locations back to submarines, allowing them to remain concealed outside enemy anti-submarine defenses before launching attacks.

This strategy significantly extends the operational range and survivability of submarines. By leveraging UUVs for initial detection and targeting, the U.S. Navy can reduce the risk of submarine discovery and shorten the sensor-to-shooter timeline. The Harpoon missiles, though an older system, remain reliable and effective when provided with real-time targeting data from UUVs.

Future developments include integrating larger UUVs, such as the Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), and connecting them with surface ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and satellites through the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) framework. This integrated network aims to bolster the U.S. military's deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.