46 Proceedings Spring 2025 technologies could be integrated into Coast Guard opera- tions. The RDC will leverage the significant resources that the DoD and DHS have invested in directed energy technologies such as high-power microwave and laser weapons systems to assess the technical readiness of existing and emerging solutions. Ongoing research will focus on countering emerg- ing threats such as Non-RF-emitting UAS and multiple simultaneous UxS that overwhelm operators and defen- sive systems. Future efforts will leverage the power of software-defined systems to use existing c-UAS sensors for c-USV and address countering multiUxS threats— systems capable of changing from air to surface to sub- surface and back. Software-defined refers to a system where the functionalities of a hardware device are con- trolled and managed by software. The Coast Guard will integrate c-UAS, c-USV, and c-UUV systems into a single C2 system to provide a source for operators conducting security missions. Conclusion The RDC will continue transitioning technology from research and development to operational capability for the fleet to enhance mission performance, improve safety and security, and increase efficiency and effec- tiveness in meeting the Coast Guard’s missions and responsibilities. Under the new RDC structure, these projects will be brought into a single Defense and Safety Systems Research Program to increase collaboration and deliver capability to the fleet. We will prepare the service to defend against the autonomous threats of the future. About the authors: Christopher Davidson is a mechanical engineer who has been developing and fielding c-UxS systems for 10 years at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and for the RDC since 2023. Amy Cutting has 15 years of civil service experience supporting defen- sive system research, development, test, evaluation, and simulation for the Coast Guard and Navy. Endnotes: 1. Acquisition Directorate Unmanned Aircraft Systems program. https:// www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for- Acquisitions-CG-9/Programs/Air-Programs/UAS/ 2. Acquisition Directorate, 2024, June 27. Coast Guard awards contract to pro cure cutter-based unmanned aircraft system capability. https://www.dcms. uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-forAcquisitions- CG-9/Newsroom/Latest-Acquisition-News/Article/3820338/coast- guard-awards-contract-to-procure-cutter-based-unmanned-aircraft- system-ca 3. Shipley, Carl and MyCG staff, 2024, July 17. Coast Guard integrates aerial, underwater drones to locate victims of Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/3842164/coast-guard-integrates- aerial-underwater-drones-to-locate-victims-of-francis-sc 4. BBC, 2018, August 5. Venezuela President Maduro survives drone assassina tion attempt. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-45073385 5. LaGrone, Sam, 207, February 20. Navy: Saudi Frigate Attacked by Unmanned Bomb Boat, Likely Iranian. https://news.usni.org/2017/02/20/navy-saudi- frigate-attacked-unmanned-bomb-boat-likely-iranian 6. Arsenault, Alan, 2019, October. RDC FY19 RDT&E Project Portfolio. https:// www.dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/FY19 RDTE Project Portfolio.pdf 7. US Navy, 2022, June 16. US Navy, Coast Guard Evaluate Use of Underwater Threat. https://www.marinetechnologynews.com/news/coast-guard-evalu ate-underwater-620467 8. Mills, Walker. Sea Control 219, Center for International Maritime Security, 2020, December 27. USCG Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz (minute 38 to 45) https://cimsec.org/sea-control-219-uscg-commandant-admiral-karl-schultz 9. MyCG, 2023, August 9. Coast Guard detects 16 unauthorized drones dur ing Seafair Weekend Festival. https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/ Article/3489056/coast-guard-detects-16-unauthorized-drones-during-sea fair-weekend-festival Non-RF-emitting UAS are known as dark UAS and groups of UxS are known as swarms. CGC Sanibel participates in a National Special Security Event in New York City during the 2021 United Nations General Assembly. Coast Guard photo by Amy Cutting
