Top Secret U.S. Underwater Drone Weapon Discovered on Google Maps

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In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the defense and intelligence communities, a top-secret U.S. underwater drone weapon known as the “Manta Ray” has been discovered through the unlikeliest of sources: Google Maps. The high-tech autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV), developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in collaboration with defense contractor Northrop Grumman, was spotted docked at Port Hueneme naval base in California.

The discovery was made by an eagle-eyed Google Maps user who shared coordinates and satellite images showing the Manta Ray’s unmistakable profile among other naval vessels. This autonomous drone, named after its sleek and efficient design reminiscent of the sea creature, is designed for long-duration, long-range missions in ocean environments without the need for on-site human logistics.

According to DARPA’s official site, the Manta Ray project aims to demonstrate groundbreaking technologies that allow these UUVs to operate independently deep underwater for extended periods. These capabilities make the Manta Ray a formidable asset for the U.S. Navy, capable of gathering intelligence, conducting surveillance, and potentially engaging in covert operations far beneath the ocean’s surface. The drone can anchor itself on the seafloor and enter a low-power mode, enabling it to remain undetected and operational for very long durations without needing to refuel.

Northrop Grumman, a leading defense contractor, completed the creation of this sophisticated underwater vehicle in April 2024. In a tweet celebrating the milestone, Northrop Grumman highlighted the significant achievement: “Together with @DARPA & our industry partners, we have built Manta Ray – a new type of uncrewed underwater vehicle. Manta Ray will operate long-duration, long-range missions in ocean environments, going where humans can’t.”

The Manta Ray’s unveiling to the public through a readily accessible platform like Google Maps raises serious questions about operational security and the vulnerability of classified military assets to open-source intelligence gathering. The images that surfaced online show the vessel’s distinctive “Star Wars”-like appearance, which stands out starkly from other docked vessels.

This revelation occurs as the U.S. continues to bolster its underwater capabilities in response to growing maritime threats. The Manta Ray represents a leap forward in unmanned underwater technology, providing the U.S. Navy with unprecedented reach and endurance in oceanic operations. Its ability to autonomously navigate and execute missions without human intervention opens new strategic possibilities for reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, and even offensive operations if required.

Despite the unintended public exposure, the development of the Manta Ray underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority in undersea warfare. The drone’s capacity to harvest energy from its environment to power its long treks further enhances its operational sustainability and stealth.

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