USVs have a way to go to reach the same levels of proliferation as their aerial counterparts, however they are finding a possible niche in the counter-terrorism and -insurgency role. Andrew White surveys the market. Scan any number of 'Jihad' forums on the Internet and one will find lists of advice detailing how best to attack commercial and military targets at sea. One entry, for example, describes methods to attack naval vessels and very large crude carriers (VLCCs). It reads: There are many different navy battleships, and certainly they are equipped with radar and modern equipment to detect sea mines or anything close to them, but if you really intend to attack a ship then you can use booby-trapped boats and send them towards the target.'
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