U.S. Navy must establish overseas repair network for unmanned surface and undersea vehicles (warontherocks.com)

• U.S. Navy aims to field 39 USVs in 2027, with 30 in Indo-Pacific by 2030.
• Unmanned systems require routine maintenance but lack onboard crew; forward repair ports are needed.
• Author suggests distributed repair hubs at HMAS Cairns, Lombrum Naval Base, and commercial shipyards in Vietnam/Indonesia.
• Legal status of unmanned systems as warships is contested; host-nation agreements required.
• Hybrid sustainment model combining contractor logistics with Navy technical teams recommended.

"The U.S. Navy's reliance on unmanned systems in the Indo-Pacific requires a forward-deployed maintenance framework. Current plans focus on fielding scores of unmanned surface and undersea vehicles, but lack a sustainment model for overseas repairs. The author argues that unmanned platforms face the same maintenance demands as manned ships, but cannot be fixed onboard. The Navy should develop distributed repair hubs at smaller ports like HMAS Cairns and Lombrum Naval Base, and resolve legal status issues. Two options exist: organic expeditionary repair squadrons or contractor support, with a hybrid approach likely optimal."