In view of the key technical problems existing in the current development status of shipboard UAV technology, the application and development of small and medium-sized shipboard UAV are analyzed. The current mission of shipborne unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is summarized, and the UAV configuration, landing guidance technology, sorties and recovery mode are analyzed and summarized in detail. The principle of key technology of shipborne UAV on board is analyzed and its development trend is expounded, and the application scenarios of carrier--based UAV in the future sea battlefield are extended. The results show that it can provide a reference for the systematic construction and tactical application of naval shipborne UAV.