U.S. Army Tests Mk VI Patrol Boat With Autonomous Drones to Extend Pacific Littoral Reconnaissance

The U.S. Army demonstrated a crewed Mk VI patrol boat leading uncrewed surface vessels during Bayonet Quest 2026 in Michigan. The 7th Infantry Division and Multi-Domain Command Pacific conducted the exercise from September 26 to October 6, with October 2 imagery from Alpena showing the mixed formation and associated unmanned aircraft activity. A fixed-wing drone was recovered onto the patrol boat's stern deck while the vessel remained under way, testing another element of maritime teaming. The trial explored coordination of crewed and uncrewed assets for littoral operations, but the account did not confirm the types of accompanying autonomous vessels.