A system and method is provided to replenish a submarine's tactical
capabilities, e.g., weapons, sensors and communications, while the
submarine remains within a hostile environment. One or more Underwater
Combat Vehicles (UCV's) are pre-positioned at strategic locations or are
launched from a surface and/or airborne platform. The UCV's include full
tactical capabilities, which can attach to and be integrated with a
submarine's capabilities. To initiate replenishment, a submarine
broadcasts a signal, or dispatches one of the UCV's under its direct
control, to make contact with one of the pre-positioned UCV's or with a
central command platform. The pre-positioned UCV's are programmed to
search for and locate the submarine. This can either be accomplished using
signals broadcast from the submarine, or using UCV internal navigation
systems and a last known position for the submarine. Once located,
communication between the submarine and UCV allows docking of the UCV onto
the submarine.