U.S. Army Tests Rampage USV in Philippines for Enhanced Coastal Operations
The U.S. Army deployed the Rampage unmanned surface vessel during Exercise Balikatan 2026 to enhance intelligence and communications capabilities in coastal operations. This test aimed to assess interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces and the potential for integrating autonomous systems into military exercises.
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On April 29, 2026, U.S. Army personnel launched the Rampage unmanned surface vessel (USV) during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines. The Rampage, developed by HavocAI, is 14 feet long, weighs approximately 750 lbs, and supports a maximum payload of 300 lbs.
It utilizes a combination of electric and solar power, achieving speeds of up to 27.8 km/h, with a range of about 45 nautical miles. The exercise tested the Rampage’s capabilities in intelligence collection, logistics, and communications without relying on port infrastructure.
Although primarily focused on data relay and sensing, the USV demonstrated the potential for deployment in dispersed locations, increasing operational flexibility. Dependency on satellite communications poses risks in contested environments, while current limitations on autonomy and payload capacity may restrict operational applications. The exercise marks a significant step in integrating unmanned systems into U.S. military operations, highlighting a shift towards hybrid fleet strategies.
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