Naval technology company BlackSea Technologies has confirmed successful participation of its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) in the Baltic Operations 2025 (BALTOPS 25) exercise.
The GARC is a cost-effective, expendable small uncrewed surface vehicle (sUSV).
The 54th annual maritime-focused exercise, conducted last month in the Baltic Sea, aims to improve flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations, allowing the US Navy, Nato allies and partners, to test and enhance joint warfighting capabilities.
BlackSea dispatched a team of specialists to collaborate with Commander, Task Force 66 (CTF 66) and other NATO partners.
CTF 66 represents the US Navy 6th Fleet’s specialised group tasked with integrating robotic and autonomous systems into fleet operations.
The team from BlackSea engaged in on-site training, logistics, as well as planning, executing, and supervising mission operations.
As per CTF 66 lead rear admiral Michael Mattis, the Navy deployed at least ten of BlackSea’s GARC.
In a statement, Mattis said: “The opportunity to closely observe the cycle of action-reaction-counteraction in the Black Sea is a unique advantage that allows CTF 66 to learn from real world conflict and adapt to the changing character of war.
“In order to keep up with these changes, we must seek out creative solutions to rapidly field and develop new technology, with a focus on software and low-cost platforms, to inform our approach to future maritime security operations.”
Throughout BALTOPS 25, GARCs proved essential by maintaining mission-capable status during the entire exercise, with multiple GARCs covering over 120 nautical miles in a single day while coordinating with Nato allied assets.
BlackSea chief strategy officer Jason Lamb said: “GARC continues to demonstrate its value and readiness for operational deployment. With a GARC a day rolling off the production line, BlackSea stands ready to meet the Navy’s growing need for sUSVs with our high-rate, high-quality manufacturing, at scale and on budget.”
