A top-secret American underwater unmanned weapon known as the “Manta Ray” was spotted in satellite images by online users on Sunday, showing it docked at the Port Hueneme naval base in California. The drone, designed by Northrop Grumman Corporation, boasts a diamond-shaped body and wing-like fins, and is used for underwater threat detection. Named after the sea creature, the “Manta Ray” is described as an extra-large glider capable of long-endurance, long-range missions without the need for human logistics on-site. The ship completed full-scale testing off the coast of Southern California in February and March, showcasing its extended range, long-term deployment, and diverse payload capacity. Northrop Grumman reveals that the “Manta Ray” can be disassembled and transported in standard shipping containers, allowing for faster deployment in case of an urgent threat. The ship’s pioneering design, enabling it to remain submerged for long periods, had been previously kept secret until recent internet sightings. New videos released by Northrop Grumman showcase more details about the “Manta Ray” robotic submersible, along with previously unseen clips from the project. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency confirms successful sea tests demonstrating the craft’s hydrodynamic performance and submerged operations.
As the US Navy explores advanced marine drones capable of longer missions, recent testing of the “Manta Ray” raises concerns about reshaping naval combat dynamics. Ukrainian forces have been leveraging smaller and more affordable technology to target Russian ships, pointing to the evolving use of drone capabilities in modern warfare.
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