unmanned surface vessel Archives

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Manta Ray Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (UUV) prototype, completed full-scale, in-water testing in the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu Sea Range, March 2024. (Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman via DVIDS)

CNO outlines vision for unmanned systems in Navy’s new ‘hedge strategy’

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle officially announced Tuesday the Navy’s latest approach to investing in and then deploying capabilities for conflict.

Jan 27, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1146) sails alongside a MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel in the Arabian Gulf, June 1, 2023, during exercise Eagle Resolve 23. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. James Webster)

Coast Guard embraces new tech, but leaders say regulations need to keep up

As the Coast Guard embraces these new systems in what it has deemed historic drug hauls, leaders are also wary about how its expansive, but tech-reliant maritime…

Dec 17, 2025 By Drew F. Lawrence

LAKE TRAVIS, Texas (Oct. 24, 2023) A prototype unmanned surface vehicle (USV) made by Saronic Technologies transits Lake Travis, Texas, during testing of an autonomous over-the-horizon solution conceived by student researchers at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). (U.S. Navy photo)

Navy moves to buy autonomous maritime drones from Saronic via $392M OTA

Details are sparse regarding the specific features, types and quantities of unmanned vessels Saronic will deliver.

Aug 22, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

DARPA christens USX-1 Defiant autonomous ship ahead of at-sea demonstrations

Officials plan to deliver the robotic platform to the Navy’s Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office (PMS 406).

Aug 12, 2025 By Jon Harper

(Nov. 13, 2012) An aerial view of the Southwest portion of the Naval Base Ventura County deep water port. (U.S. Navy photo by Vance Vasquez/Released)

Navy experiment cut short after unmanned vessel flipped a support boat

DefenseScoop has new details on the June 23 incident off the coast of California.

Jul 1, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

The unmanned surface vessel (USV) Ranger from Unmanned Surface Vessel Division One (USVDIV-1) returns to its homeport, Naval Base Ventura County, in Port Hueneme, California, concluding Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.2, Jan. 15, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Electronics Technician 2nd Class Gavin McKenna)

Navy to brief industry on plans for new robotic ship program

The Navy is getting ready to lay out the service’s vision, objectives, program schedule and technical requirements for a Future USV program.

May 19, 2025 By Jon Harper

NAVAL BASE CORONADO (May 15, 2024) – Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) operate remotely in San Diego Bay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)

Navy to establish USVRON 7, adding another robotic ship squadron to the force

The sea service is getting ready to stand up Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 7 in May.

Jan 30, 2025 By Jon Harper

NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (Feb. 5, 2024) The first four Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARCs) are delivered to Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

Navy ramping up production of autonomous GARC vessels

The Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft are built by Maritime Applied Physics Corp.

Jan 17, 2025 By Jon Harper

NAVAL BASE CORONADO (May 15, 2024) – Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) from Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3) operate remotely in San Diego Bay ahead of the unit’s establishment ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)

Navy stands up new robo-ship squadron as Pentagon pursues Replicator systems

USVRON Three, commanded by Capt. Derek Rader, will oversee a fleet of small uncrewed surface vessels.

May 20, 2024 By Jon Harper

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks is walks with Director of the Defense Innovation Unit Doug Beck during a visit to the Defense Innovation Unit, Mountain View, California, Dec. 12, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

Pentagon secures $500M for first tranche of Replicator systems

A stated goal of Replicator is to accelerate programs and field thousands of “attritable autonomous” systems across multiple domains by August 2025, to help the U.S. armed…

May 6, 2024 By Jon Harper