The U.S. Marine Corps is testing a new unmanned, semi-submersible vessel inspired by drug smugglers’ “narco-boats,” to bolster resupply capabilities in contested environments. Known as the Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV), this platform aims to transport weapons, supplies, and equipment to forward-deployed forces, reducing risk to personnel in high-threat zones. The vessel is part of the Corps’ effort to enhance logistics in littoral combat environments, where maneuverability and stealth are critical.
Brigadier General Simon Doran, commander of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, revealed that the concept for the ALPV originated from the semi-submersible boats used by drug traffickers. “Truth be told, this is just a narco-boat,” Doran said, acknowledging that the design was “stolen” from vessels used to transport illicit goods. He explained that the ALPV can operate autonomously over hundreds or even thousands of miles, carrying everything from food and fuel to advanced weapon systems like the Naval Strike Missile.
The vessel’s low-profile design allows it to remain near the water’s surface, making it harder to detect, while its unmanned nature keeps Marines out of danger during resupply missions. This capability is particularly valuable in contested areas, such as the Indo-Pacific region, where U.S. forces face increasing challenges from adversaries like China. The III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Okinawa, Japan, is set to begin testing the ALPV later this year.
The ALPV was tested in February 2023 during the Army-led Project Convergence Capstone event at Camp Pendleton, California, where the Marines trained personnel to operate the vessel remotely. As the U.S. military continues to prioritize autonomous technologies, the ALPV represents a key development in reducing the logistical burden and keeping troops safer in future conflicts. However, concerns about safety and operational reliability remain, with the Marine Corps still refining the vessel’s capabilities before widespread deployment.
The Pentagon’s broader push for unmanned systems, including through initiatives like Replicator, aligns with the increasing focus on countering potential threats from China. By incorporating autonomous platforms like the ALPV, the Marine Corps hopes to enhance its ability to project power while minimizing risk to personnel, particularly in high-stakes environments where traditional resupply methods could prove too dangerous.
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