![MLV_Rendering_1](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/MLV_Rendering_1-350x291.jpg)
![Mullen, former Joint Chiefs chairman, to lead board for unmanned tech firm Saildrone](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/72494-e1695998256340-225x150.jpg)
The recruitment of a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is a major win for Saildrone, which has been building its profile in US Navy circles since 2020.
By Justin Katz![Navy’s progress towards unmanned operations: 5 Stories from 2022](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/221025_seahawk_unmanned_6612966-e1666714941438-225x150.jpg)
The US Navy laid out its unmanned strategy at the start of the year, and these stories show some strides the service has taken.
By Justin Katz![3 weeks, 15 unmanned systems: Navy launches ‘Digital Horizon’ exercise in Middle East](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/7525647-scaled-e1669206909409-225x150.jpg)
The event will feature 15 unmanned systems, 10 of which will be operating with the Navy in US 5th Fleet for the first time.
By Justin Katz![Saildrone CEO says Iranian interference was valuable experience, not a surprise](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/7038652-scaled-e1646938768600-225x150.jpg)
“If someone takes it, good luck. Keep it, it’s worthless. We’ve got hundreds of them,” said Richard Jenkins, chief executive officer of Saildrone.
By Justin Katz![Iranian navy nabs 2 American sailing drones, dumps them overboard: Iranian media](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/iran-navy-usv-1-e1662129792276-225x150.png)
The incident comes just two days after an IRGC Navy support ship seized and then released a similar drone.
By Justin Katz![Iranian ship intercepted while trying to detain American drone](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/220830_iran_tows_saildrone_screengrab-225x150.png)
The encounter ended peacefully following multiple attempts by a US ship to contact the Iranian crew.
By Justin Katz