AI-coordinated autonomous surface vessel swarms designed for contested littoral operations. Demonstrate collective AI navigation, target prosecution, and network resilience.
China's swarm boat demonstration of 56 autonomous vessels in 2018 was at the time the largest autonomous naval swarm test ever conducted by any nation, with vessels coordinating their formations and response to simulated threats without individual operator control. The swarm's AI architecture uses a hierarchical control structure with scout boats distributing sensor data to a shared tactical picture that each vessel uses for individual navigation decisions. Military analysts have assessed that autonomous swarm boats could be used to overwhelm the point defense systems of US carrier strike groups, particularly in the constrained waters of the Taiwan Strait.
Swarm tests of 56 autonomous boats in Pearl River delta 2018; PLA Navy integration ongoing
CSIC is a Chinese state enterprise under investment restrictions. The autonomous swarm boat threat drives US Navy investment in counter-swarm systems from Raytheon (RTX) and Northrop Grumman (NOC).