The 12th Littoral Logistics Battalion (LLB) is actively participating in the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) event, Resolute Dragon 2025, centered around the Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV), an innovative unmanned logistics and sensing surface vehicle created by Leidos. This operational testing is taking place in Okinawa and involves a voyage around Japan’s southwestern Ryukyu Islands.
On September 13, the 12th LLB launched the ALPV for a three-day mission, aimed at supporting Marine Logistics Regiments (MLR) through various sensing operations in the waters near Amami Oshima Island. Following its circuit around the northern end of Amami Oshima, the ALPV is expected to proceed to Maedomari Fishing Port on Tokunishima Island to offload cargo and conduct resupply operations. A planned third leg of the mission to the southwestern islands of Yonaguni and Irimote was cancelled due to their strategic proximity to Taiwan.
Resolute Dragon 2025, which started on September 12, incorporates joint exercises by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and U.S. Marine Corps, focusing on enhancing command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities. Central to this exercise is the control and defense of critical maritime areas. This year’s focus includes a notable deployment to Yonaguni Island, located approximately 70 miles from Taiwan’s coast, highlighting the region’s strategic importance amidst rising Chinese influence.
The ALPV is regarded as a semi-submersible autonomous logistics delivery system engineered for contested maritime environments, contributing to the Marine Corps’ strategic focus on littoral regions and island chains. It plays a critical logistical role by delivering supplies—food, water, and munitions—to remote islands while maintaining stealth. The U.S. Marine Corps has three operational ALPVs, with one positioned in the West Pacific and assigned to remain in Okinawa “indefinitely” for operational support.
The collaboration between the 12th LLB and the ALPV began in January with in-port testing at Naha Military Port in Okinawa. Training elements from Combat Logistics Regiment 3 have also started to familiarize themselves with the vessel to enhance its operational effectiveness. Additionally, forward-deployed U.S. Marine Corps units anticipate receiving more ALPVs from Leidos to extend training and operational integration within logistics units in the region.
The ongoing exercises and testing signify a commitment to improving logistical capabilities in response to evolving security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. The successful operational integration of the ALPV not only underscores the potential for autonomous systems in military logistics but also aims to fortify cooperative defense efforts against potential threats in key maritime territories. As the mission progresses, further enhancements exploring potential defensive armaments for the ALPV may also be evaluated, reflecting its evolving role in military strategy.
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