Navies are increasingly adopting a hybrid navy model, combining automation-enabling technologies and uncrewed assets with crewed vessels. This approach offers persistent presence, reduced risk to personnel, greater mass at lower cost, faster decision-making and more distributed operations. However, it also introduces significant integrational and operational challenges. Digital technologies such as satellite connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, sensors and power systems are central to hybrid technologies, but they must be hardened to prevent them becoming vulnerabilities.
Reflecting this shift, a new generation of drone motherships and UXVs (uncrewed vehicles) is emerging. These drone carriers increasingly act as mobile bases for USVs (uncrewed surface vehicles), UUVs (uncrewed underwater vehicles), UAVs (uncrewed aerial vehicles), and even UGVs (uncrewed ground vehicles). As navies deploy a broader range of technologies and assets, they need confidence these systems can be integrated safely and are suitable for their intended roles.
How LR helps
LR combines assurance and advisory services to help navies introduce autonomous systems safely into their fleets. Drawing on our unmanned marine systems expertise and extensive commercial maritime experience, we support clients from technology selection through to fleet integration and lifecycle services.
LR was the first Certifying Authority authorised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to issue certificates under Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) Annex 2, and the first to complete certification of an operational remotely operated and unmanned vessel (ROUV). Selecting the right asset requires a clear understanding of both operational requirements and technical capability. We help navies develop evaluation criteria and assess which systems are best suited to their intended operating profile, supporting confident, informed decisions.
The LR Code for UMS (Unmanned Marine Systems)
The LR Code for UMS provides a framework for the assurance and certification of unmanned technologies against defined safety and technical requirements. It also supports the certification of autonomous and remotely operated systems entering naval service, applying goal-based assurance where new operating concepts are not fully addressed by existing rules.
The Code applies to systems with varying levels of autonomy and mixed operating profiles, including surfaced and submerged operations.
Integrating UMS into your fleet
Introducing UMS alongside existing assets requires careful attention to certification requirements and fleet integration. Drawing on commercial and naval sector experience, LR helps integrate new technologies while providing certification support. Our technical insight also helps clients understand the implications of different propulsion and fuel technologies as autonomous capabilities continue to evolve.
