The Royal Netherlands Navy is actively integrating unmanned systems into its defense strategy, as demonstrated in a five-week testing mission off the coast of Den Helder. Vessels like Defender 1 and Defender 2 operate autonomously, surveilling targets without any human crew onboard, and are controlled by a sophisticated computer system. Captain Sjoerd Feenstra, head of the expertise center for unmanned systems, is leading the initiative to assess the capabilities of these technologies. The tests aim to push the boundaries of unmanned operation and evaluate the effectiveness of such systems in real-world scenarios. According to Feenstra, this shift towards automation significantly increases the complexity of naval operations. The Dutch Navy's endeavor signifies a crucial step towards a future where unmanned vehicles play a central role in maritime security.