Ships or Munitions? Clarifying the Discussion on Unmanned Surface Vessels

The strategic discussion on unmanned surface vessels (USVs) would benefit from a clear distinction between large, ship-like platforms and smaller, munition-like drones. Ship-like USVs are intended to bolster fleet numbers and distribute firepower, but they remain significant targets. In contrast, munition-like USVs, similar to those used by Ukraine, function as mobile mines, offering an asymmetric sea denial capability due to their expendability and survivability. For the U.S. Navy to counter competitors like China in the Western Pacific, it should prioritize the mass production of these munition-like platforms over more complex unmanned ships.