US Navy submarine USS Michigan pioneers integration of Unmanned Undersea Vehicles in naval operations.

According to information published by Ryan Chan on January 9, 2025, the USS Michigan (SSGN 727), an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, has recently been at the forefront of integrating Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) into naval operations. Between October 2022 and January 2024, the submarine conducted missions that notably incorporated UUV.
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USS Michigan (SSGN 727), an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, reaches the Republic of Korea Fleet base in Busan, South Korea. (Picture source: US DoD)

The USS Michigan, originally commissioned in 1982 as a ballistic missile submarine, underwent a significant conversion to a guided-missile submarine, rejoining the fleet in 2007. This transformation enabled the vessel to carry up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and support Special Operations Forces. The submarine's missile tubes were also modified to accommodate future payloads, including unmanned aerial vehicles and UUVs.

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At the core of the USS Michigan’s capability lies its unique configuration. Unlike traditional attack or ballistic missile submarines, its conversion to a guided-missile role has freed up significant internal and external space. The 24 original Trident ballistic missile tubes were reconfigured, with 22 of these now adapted for other purposes. These tubes are large enough to accommodate not only Tomahawk cruise missiles but also modular payloads such as UUVs or even Special Operations Forces deployment modules. This retrofitting ensures that the submarine can support next-generation undersea operations.

The deployment of UUVs from the USS Michigan utilizes specially adapted launch systems. UUVs are likely deployed via a dry deck shelter or through torpedo tubes. These methods allow the submarine to maintain its stealth profile while launching or recovering unmanned systems, ensuring that it remains undetected in contested or hostile environments.

Command and control (C2) frameworks enable real-time or semi-autonomous mission execution. While UUVs are designed for autonomous navigation, secure acoustic and satellite-based communications allow operators to issue updates or adjust mission parameters dynamically. This integration is critical, as GPS signals are typically unavailable in deep-water or denied environments. Advanced processing aboard the submarine and the UUVs allows for the rapid fusion of sonar and intelligence data, ensuring mission adaptability.

From a strategic perspective, integrating UUVs into the USS Michigan’s operations significantly enhances the Navy’s undersea capabilities. UUVs serve as force multipliers, enabling the submarine to operate as a forward-deployed ISR node, mine countermeasure platform, or strike facilitator. Their ability to autonomously navigate and gather intelligence without risking the crew provides an asymmetric advantage in contested zones like the South China Sea or near-strategic chokepoints.

UUV operations also expand the submarine’s mission versatility. While the USS Michigan can directly conduct strike missions using its Tomahawk missiles, UUVs extend its reach to tasks such as reconnaissance, seabed mapping, or covert payload delivery.

Despite these advantages, the integration of UUVs poses several technical challenges. The durability and reliability of UUV systems in the harsh undersea environment remain key concerns. Salinity, pressure, and mechanical stresses can degrade performance, particularly during extended missions.