'Sloop' is the preferred name here for a future uncrewed partner, with 'loyal kayak' another term used in the debate. Range, seakeeping, and enough weapons to justify those capabilities are expected to push independent vessels toward 2,000 to 3,000 tons. First-generation designs may be closer to a few hundred or 1,000 tons, but growth toward Second World War destroyer or escort size is predicted to follow quickly. Smaller uncrewed craft would still be carried and recovered by parent ships. The forecast therefore leaves roles for both large partners and small deployable boats.
Chapter · 43:21-45:18
Future uncrewed sloops may grow to destroyer-escort size
Range, seakeeping, speed, and useful weapon capacity push independent uncrewed escorts toward roughly 2,000 to 3,000 tons.