Unmanned Tech Test in Northern Michigan Waters

The National All‑Domain Warfighting Center will run a two‑week field test in the waters near Alpena, Michigan, from July 13 to 24. The exercise, called Silent Swarm 26, will bring together a mix of federal agencies to try out small unmanned systems that can move on water, below the surface and in the air. The Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Crane Division will lead the effort at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. Participants will operate a variety of unmanned platforms, including surface vessels, submarines and small drones. Both manned ships and aircraft will stay close by to provide control and safety support. Ground crews will use tripod‑mounted radios and radar to see how the different systems work together in real time.

The goal is to boost how well military crews can manage radio spectrum and keep their equipment resilient. By testing new technology in a realistic environment, the program hopes to improve future operations across all domains. Observers should keep their distance. The exercise area covers Alpena, Thunder Bay and nearby islands. Public safety officials warn people not to touch or interfere with any of the vessels or drones that will be operating in the zone. A broad coalition is involved. The Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance, the Michigan National Guard, NOAA, the Army Development Command C5ISR Center, the Air Force Test Center and the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic are all taking part.

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