Strategic Acquisition of Navy Unmanned Systems: Analysis and Options

Abstract

The U.S. Navy (USN) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) have many emerging robotics needs and potentialities. However, although the U.S. is strong in defense robotics in particular in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) -- recent reports have identified fundamental weaknesses in the broader U.S. robotics innovation system in which defense robotics is embedded. Since the potential scale of commercial robotics is far greater than military robotics over the long run, the U.S. needs to develop a stronger national robotics innovation system to support the long-term development of defense robotics and help make the nation more secure. Traditionally, the policy response to such needs has involved stimulating the supply side. This report identifies robust local U.S. demand for robotics as a critical element in developing a thriving U.S. robotics innovation system. Therefore, while some DoD acquisition strategies attend to industry development via supply-side elements (such as research and development support for major suppliers, Small Business Innovation Research initiatives, etc.), I suggest that these initiatives must be complemented with a set of pro demand-side acquisition strategies. This report outlines the rationale for including a demand-side approach in DoD robotics acquisition policy, a set of appropriate strategies, and a framework for implementation.