In episode 4 of the HII-sponsored Mission Critical podcast, host Ryan Robertson explores how the Navy is building a new kind of combat network where crewed ships, aircraft, and autonomous drones operate together as one connected force.

Robertson speaks with defense industry leaders and former Navy officials about how AI autonomy stacks are enabling unmanned vessels, aircraft, and drones to operate collaboratively — extending the reach, survivability, and lethality of manned platforms.

As autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and directed energy weapons reshape the battlefield, one thing is clear: the future of naval warfare will be built on software, networks, and intelligent machines working alongside human warfighters.