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NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030

CHAPTER 6
At present SLN utilizes UAVs and drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, aerial photography
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION and videography. A fully established UAV unit can utilize many applications including the
following;
Overview
In an increasingly technology-driven environment, world navies are highly dependent on a wide ● Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). USVs are used for patrol, surveillance
and mine countermeasure operations in conventional warfare to augment naval
range of technologies. These technologies cover ship designing, navigation, communication, capabilities while reducing risk to human lives. These USVs can be utilized as
weapon systems and surveillance in three dimensions, space-based technologies, environmental platforms for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Autonomous Underwater
monitoring and presently with more concern on cyber security, AI technology, unmanned, Vehicles (AUVs) and drones can be interoperated with other fleet units as a force
autonomous and mechanized systems. Sri Lanka, being a maritime nation situated strategically multiplier by extending range and endurance.
important location in the Indian Ocean, relies heavily on maritime trades, maritime commerce and
other activities. As a vital component of the nation’s defence, there cannot be a significant ● Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). Deploy UUVs for underwater
technology gap in between SLN and other state and non-state actors. Hence, it is essential to equip reconnaissance, mine detection and surveillance to enhance the SLN’s underwater
SLN with cutting-edge technologies to strengthen the capabilities. This can be achieved by capabilities. These facilities are essential not only for warfare but also for
managing, sharing and investing in acquisitions, force strengthening, innovations and international encountering illegal activities, assisting legitimate activities, diving operations,
collaborations. search and rescue missions, oil spills and similar peacetime operations on a large

The acquisition of sophisticated platforms and latest technology mostly depends on the financial scale. SLN is in the process of developing an underwater vehicle to use in multiple
feasibility of the country and diplomatic relations. However, in the recent past the attempt made activities with suitable sensor nodes and has identified as a field of concern in the
by SLN to upgrade or replace the obsolete and costly systems with viable, cost-effective home- future to develop cost-effective home-grown solutions for operational issues come
grown technical solutions has filled the said technological gap to an extent while saving a across.
substantial amount of public money. The Return on Investment (ROI) of innovations and re-
engineering projects done by SLN using the knowledge and experience of expert naval ● Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The UAVs or drones are the unmanned
professionals is significantly higher than the budgetary allocation. systems that SLN use maximum to ongoing peacetime operations. A fully equipped
UAV / Drone unit with dedicated officers and sailors is an essential requirement to
Accordingly, the following key areas of technology and innovation are to be considered for the accomplish the naval role at present cost-effectively and efficiently. These systems
next five years and beyond to enhance the SLN’s capabilities; consist of various sensors, cameras and AI algorithms. The possibility of
Autonomous UAVs to identify and track the exact target with the assistance of AI
Unmanned Systems and Autonomous Vehicles and machine learning and strike precision targets maintaining the maximum
surprise essential to encounter most of the illicit activities happening in Sri Lankan
waters.
Unmanned systems will replace costly manpower and reduce the risk to humans in dangerous
situations. The advantages of introducing unmanned autonomous systems/vehicles for activities ● Naval Robotics. Innovation in naval robotics involves the development of
including maritime surveillance, security check points, and medicine distribution instead of robotic platforms to perform various tasks, including hull inspection, obstacle and
manual checking by humans are as follows; mine clearance and search and rescue operations. These technologies enhance the
naval ability to operate in challenging environments where humans cannot utilize
● Efficient real-time surveillance and reconnaissance and contribute to overall mission success. The SLN can find viable home-grown
● Deterrence solutions in naval robotics commencing from proto-type applications.
● Flexibility and adaptability
● Safety and reduction of risk to human
● Extended range and endurance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Through Technology and Innovation
● Swarm capability
● Ability to maintain the surprise An effective understanding of the maritime domain affects its safety and security and the stability
● Capability of integrating with other naval systems of the economy of the country. Comprehensive awareness with minimum sea blindness mitigates
● Target acquisition, tracking and launching precision strikes on designated targets the risk at sea and from the sea. Security of an incredibly active and diverse maritime domain under
● Logistics support in distress the purview of Sri Lanka which is much larger than the country is a challenging and essential task
● Capability to carry out search and rescue missions vested on SLN and SLCG. Sophisticated MDA is the best option to monitor, detect, identify,
● As a part of electronic warfare (use as jammers or hackers) prioritize, manage and mitigate threats with this overwhelming scope of licit and illicit activities.
● Mine detectors and clearance Instead of traditional systems, the world maritime industry moving fast with AI-powered MDA
● Border protection systems. Hence, an effective MDA system with prime concern on the following areas is inevitable
● Training and simulation to perform the much-needed role and task of SLN and SLCG in the future;
● Cost-effectiveness

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