U.S. Army tests Rampage USV in the Philippines to improve intelligence during coastal operations.

U.S. Army forces deployed a small Rampage unmanned surface vessel during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines, demonstrating how low-cost autonomous boats can extend intelligence collection and communications in contested coastal zones, as confirmed in reporting from April 29, 2026. The beach-launched test showed that units can rapidly field maritime sensing and relay capabilities without ports or heavy infrastructure, strengthening distributed operations and reducing exposure of crewed assets near shore.

Developed by HavocAI, the 14-foot USV combines modest payload capacity with satellite-linked control and mesh networking, allowing a single operator to manage multiple vessels while maintaining persistent surveillance and data relay. This positions small USVs as forward sensors and logistics nodes in littoral warfare, supporting a broader shift toward networked, multi-domain operations where numerous low-signature platforms complicate targeting and sustain battlefield awareness.

Related topic: China tests first autonomous maritime drone swarm to counter future US naval operations

The HavocAI Rampage is a small, lightweight unmanned boat that runs on electric power and solar energy, can carry up to 136 kg of equipment, reach speeds of 27.8 km/h, and perform surveillance, communications, and transport tasks in coastal areas. (Picture source: US Army)

On April 29, 2026, U.S. Army personnel from the 125th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, launched a Rampage unmanned surface vessel (USV) during Exercise Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City, Philippines. The activity formed part of a bilateral U.S.-Philippines exercise designed to test interoperability while incorporating emerging systems into field conditions rather than controlled laboratory environments. The unit handled preparation, transport, and launch using a small team, with no reliance on port infrastructure, to test the use of small unmanned surface vessels for intelligence collection, communications relay, logistics movement, and potential strike roles in littoral areas.

The operational scenario placed the Rampage USV in a coastal environment with open access to the sea and minimal infrastructure constraints, serving as a concrete examination of how autonomous maritime systems could be introduced into routine military exercises. Created by HavocAI, the Rampage USV measures about 14 feet (4.2 meters) in length, with a maximum gross weight of about 750 lbs (340 kg) and a payload capacity of about 300 lbs (136 kg), divided between internal cargo space and external mounting points. The propulsion system consists of a 6 kW battery paired with a 6 kW outboard motor, supported by a solar array rated at about 310 W, allowing a maximum speed of up to 15 knots, a cruise speed of about 6 knots, and a loiter speed of about 3 knots.

At maximum speed, the Rampage can cover about 20 nautical miles (37 km), while cruise conditions extend this to about 45 nautical miles (83 km), and low-speed operations allow sustained presence with solar input. The electrical system operates at about 50 VDC and provides about 50 A for payloads, which constrains onboard systems to relatively low-power sensors and communications equipment. The vessel can be deployed and recovered by four personnel, without cranes or mechanical launch systems, which reduces logistical requirements, while its self-righting capability addresses stability concerns in moderate sea conditions. 

Communications architecture is centered on Starlink satellite connectivity for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) control combined with mesh radio networking for local coordination between multiple vessels. This configuration allows a single operator to manage several units simultaneously, with the autonomy software handling navigation, collision avoidance, and basic mission execution. The system is designed to function as part of a distributed network rather than as an independent asset, with data transmission to command nodes forming a primary function.

The onboard autonomy stack integrates perception, navigation, and control systems, enabling semi-autonomous operation with human oversight. This reduces operator workload while maintaining the ability to intervene when required. However, the reliance on satellite communications introduces dependencies on external infrastructure, which may be vulnerable to disruption in contested environments. Mesh networking partially mitigates this by allowing local coordination even if satellite links are degraded, an architecture consistent with broader trends in autonomous system integration. 

Mission configurations for the Rampage system include maritime domain awareness sensors, electronic warfare payloads, and logistics cargo. The 300 lbs (136 kg) payload limit restricts the scale of sensors and equipment, requiring trade-offs between endurance, communications, and sensing capabilities. The system can transport supplies in contested areas, reducing the need for crewed vessels in high-risk zones. Electronic warfare applications include carrying radio frequency payloads to detect or interfere with signals, although power limitations constrain effectiveness compared to larger systems.

The vessel is also designed to support strike configurations, with the integration of kinetic payloads, but no such configuration seemed to be deployed during Balikatan 2026. The Rampage also has the capability to launch or recover small drones, which could extend sensing range or provide additional communications relay. During Balikatan 2026, the beach launch at La Paz Sand Dunes demonstrated that the Rampage USV can be deployed in sandy coastal terrain without engineered facilities, which reduces dependence on fixed infrastructure. This method allows units to operate in dispersed locations, complicating targeting and reducing predictability.

The involvement of an intelligence and electronic warfare battalion indicates a primary interest in sensing and communications roles, rather than direct engagement. The Balikatan 2026 exercise also provided an opportunity to evaluate how such systems interface with existing command-and-control networks used by U.S. and Philippine forces. The test did not involve large-scale deployment or coordinated operations with multiple vessels, indicating that swarm or distributed tactics remain at an early stage of validation. The focus was on basic handling, launch, and initial operational integration. 

Within the broader U.S. military framework, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are being increasingly integrated into a hybrid fleet concept combining crewed and uncrewed assets, with different size classes serving distinct roles. Small systems such as Rampage are intended for short-range deployment in large numbers, supporting sensing and communications functions close to shore or within contested areas. Larger unmanned vessels are being developed for extended range, higher payload capacity, and integration with fleet operations. The involvement of the U.S. Army in this exercise indicates that unmanned maritime systems are not limited to naval forces but are being considered for cross-domain applications.

Current use emphasizes data collection and relay, as their integration into existing command-and-control systems is a priority, ensuring that data from unmanned systems can be used by multiple units. The approach supports distributed operations, where multiple small systems provide coverage across wide areas in littoral regions. Advantages of small USVs include low production cost, which allows procurement in larger quantities compared to traditional crewed vessels, and the absence of onboard personnel, which eliminates risk to crews during high-risk missions.

The ability to deploy systems using small teams without heavy equipment reduces logistical requirements and enables rapid response. Modular payload integration allows units to adapt the system to different missions without redesigning the vessel. Distributed deployment enables persistent coverage, even if individual systems are lost or disabled. These characteristics support operational concepts where quantity and distribution compensate for individual system limitations. The systems can extend the sensing range of larger assets by operating forward in contested areas, which contributes to their adoption despite technical limitations. 

Constraints of USVs include limited payload capacity, which restricts the type and number of sensors or weapons that can be carried, and limited range compared to larger vessels, which reduces operational flexibility. Environmental conditions such as sea state and weather can affect performance, particularly for small vessels with low displacement. Dependence on satellite and mesh communications introduces vulnerabilities, as disruption of these links can degrade or disable operations. The lack of armor and redundancy reduces survivability in contested environments, where even small threats can disable the system.

Autonomy capabilities remain limited by current technology, particularly in complex navigation scenarios and adherence to operational rules. These limitations affect the range of missions that can be conducted without human intervention. The systems are currently more suited to support roles rather than direct engagement. Addressing these constraints is necessary for expanded use. Current development efforts focus on scaling the number of unmanned surface vessels and improving coordination between them, with an emphasis on distributed operations and networked sensing. The concept involves multiple small vessels operating across wide areas to collect and transmit data, creating a continuous maritime picture.

Integration with aerial and underwater systems is also being explored, allowing coordination across domains. Human-machine teaming remains central, with operators managing multiple systems rather than controlling each individually. Advances in autonomy software are enabling more complex coordination, although large-scale swarm operations have not yet been demonstrated in operational settings. The focus is on incremental integration into existing force structures rather than rapid replacement of crewed assets. These efforts are aligned with broader changes in global military operations, and the deployment during Balikatan 2026 represents an early step in this process.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.