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During July, the US Navy reached a further milestone when its new autonomous ORCA submarine completed a voyage of more than 1,000 nautical miles in the Pacific. This achievement forms part of efforts to develop uncrewed underwater capabilities designed to support the operations of crewed submarines.
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ORCA expands uncrewed underwater capabilities
ORCA’s voyage represents one of the US Navy’s latest advances in uncrewed underwater vehicles. The system is included in the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force’s work to incorporate autonomous platforms into its operations.
Boeing began developing ORCA during the 2010s, drawing on experience gained through earlier autonomous underwater vehicle programmes. In 2019, the US Navy ordered the first extra-large autonomous ORCA submarine for USD 43 million, with Boeing delivering the first unit in December 2023.
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The US Navy subsequently purchased six ORCA vehicles under the Extra-Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) programme. Five are prototype units, while the sixth is intended for training duties; the two contracts had a combined value of USD 281 million.
ORCA and its integration with the fleet
The latest milestone emerged during Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh’s visit to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Cavanaugh, commander of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, made the visit on 30 July following the conclusion of the at-sea phase of the Rim of the Pacific 2026 exercise (RIMPAC 2026).
At the meeting, Cavanaugh and Rear Admiral Marcos Jasso discussed how uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) could be integrated with carrier strike groups. According to the US Navy, such systems could serve as tactical extensions of crewed units.
“The operational environment in the Pacific continues to evolve with the rapid development of technological advances in the undersea domain,” Cavanaugh stated. He also noted that the Pacific Submarine Force is investing in uncrewed capabilities to complement its crewed submarines.
Naval officials additionally considered potential logistical roles for UUVs. These include moving spare parts and components between submarines and aircraft carriers while submarine units remain submerged and avoid returning to port.
Background to ORCA testing
Progress in developing the ability to operate UUVs from submarines was also made during 2025. During an operational deployment, the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) carried out the first launch and recovery of a UUV through a torpedo tube.
These operations took place near Norway and involved three tactical sorties using the Yellow Moray system. The US Navy launched and recovered the vehicles through conventional torpedo tubes, without using divers for support.
An ORCA’s journey of more than 1,000 nautical miles in the Pacific during July 2026 adds another milestone to the development of these systems. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Force aims to use these platforms to expand its deterrence, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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