US Navy Pushes “Radical Transparency” and Unmanned Integration to Boost Fleet Readiness

Washington, D.C. | WEST 2026 Conference: John C. Phelan, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, announced a major strategic shift toward “radical transparency, innovation, and adaptation” as the Department of the Navy accelerates efforts to strengthen military readiness and integrate advanced unmanned technologies across its fleet.

Speaking during the #WEST2026 defense conference, Secretary Phelan emphasized that the Navy’s priority is to rapidly deliver new operational capabilities while transforming internal culture to respond to emerging global threats.

“We are pushing the Department of the Navy to a culture of radical transparency, innovation and adaptation,” Phelan said in an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Focus on Readiness and Operational Capability

Secretary Phelan made clear that increasing fleet readiness is the Navy’s central objective. He stressed that simply acquiring new platforms—such as ships, drones, or aircraft—is not enough to maintain military superiority.

Instead, he highlighted the importance of integrating technologies into a unified operational system that connects command, logistics, targeting, and execution.

“Platforms alone do not deliver advantage. Integration does,” he said.

This approach reflects a broader shift in U.S. military strategy, where networked warfare and integrated systems are becoming more critical than individual weapons or platforms.

Unmanned Systems at the Center of Future Warfare

A key component of the Navy’s modernization strategy is the integration of unmanned systems, including unmanned surface vessels, underwater drones, and aerial drones.

However, Phelan emphasized that unmanned systems only provide real military value when fully integrated into the Navy’s operational ecosystem.

He noted that unmanned technologies must be connected to:

• Command and control systems

• Logistics and supply chains

• Targeting and surveillance networks

• Sustainment and operational execution

This integrated approach allows faster decision-making, improved battlefield awareness, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Strategic Implications

Defense analysts say this shift reflects the Navy’s preparation for future high-intensity conflicts, particularly in contested regions such as the Indo-Pacific, where technological superiority and rapid response capabilities are essential.

The Navy’s emphasis on transparency and innovation also aims to improve coordination between leadership, industry partners, and operational forces.

The announcements made at WEST 2026 signal a clear commitment by the Department of the Navy to modernize its forces and adapt to rapidly evolving military and technological challenges.