Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are becoming very technologically developed and more and more common as they are implemented in a whole range of missions performed underwater. The rapid expansion of this group of maritime vehicles could be a key distractor that can change the way both underwater and surface warfare are conducted. Only in the last two years has the development in this area been so big that it deserves not a dedicated chapter but a book. The development of artificial intelligence ranks as one of the most significant technological revolutions in the history of our species, comparable to the adoption of settled living and the invention of the steam engine. Author endeavors to anticipate the consequences of this monumental breakthrough for various activities conducted in the maritime realm. Noteworthy is the broad horizon of environmental observation adopted by the author, adeptly navigating through a myriad of emerging issues. However, the main strength of the work lies in capturing and organizing the diverse factors shaping current and future operational environments, including the changing role of autonomous systems, potentially assuming a significant portion of tasks currently carried out by manned units. In the book author embarks on, a first of its kind, exploration of the evolution of underwater technology, focusing particularly on the emergence of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and their transformative impact on naval warfare. From extended presence at sea to mine warfare, AUVs offer a plethora of capabilities that promise to enhance naval strategies and tactics significantly. As nations navigate the complexities of the underwater domain, the work serves as a guiding beacon, illuminating the path toward leveraging AUVs for the advancement of naval capabilities and the safeguarding of maritime interests.