unmanned surface vessel Archives

(Photo courtesy of U.S. Central Command)

Centcom commander says ‘hundreds’ of U.S. drones are involved in Iran war

U.S. Central Command launched more LUCAS drones against Iran.

2 days ago By Jon Harper

A U.S. Navy Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) maneuvers in the Atlantic Ocean during UNITAS 2025, the 66th iteration of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

Navy looking to emulate signals on maritime drones to train systems for Pacific Fleet

The Defense Innovation Unit is trying to aid the Navy via its Emulation Module for Unmanned Systems (EMU) program.

Apr 2, 2026 By Jon Harper

The Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) sails with two T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessels (USV) and an Arabian Fox MAST-13 USV, all attached to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s (NAVCENT) Task Force 59, during exercise Digital Talon 2 in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 27, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Marita Schwab)

Saronic asks court to halt Navy O&S contract for small maritime drones, LCS mission modules

In a new bid protest, the Texas-based defense startup alleges the Navy’s solicitation contains terms that “unduly restrict competition.”

Apr 1, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

Seahawk, a Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) prototype, departs Naval Base Point Loma, California, Aug. 6, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn)

Navy creating new marketplace for maritime drones as it looks to ‘surge capacity’ for Golden Fleet

The Navy is reconfiguring its model for buying autonomous watercraft that can navigate and manage cargo with little to no human input.

Mar 26, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Carlos Perez-armenta, a logistics specialist with 1st Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, operates an Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel during testing on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 22, 2026. The ALPV is an autonomous logistics delivery system the Marine Corps is experimenting with to deliver supplies and equipment in a timely manner throughout the littorals. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mary Torres)

U.S. military seeks more ALPV capability to resupply troops in contested littoral environments

Marines have been experimenting with autonomous low-profile vessels. This week, the Defense Innovation Unit issued a solicitation to industry.

Mar 4, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 22, 2022) The large unmanned surface vessel Nomad, front, medium displacement unmanned vessel Sea Hunter, right, and large unmanned surface vessel Ranger transit the Pacific Ocean to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyler R. Fraser)

Navy exploring options to solve its ‘unmanned dilemma’

The service’s new warfighting directions rely heavily on the integration of surface, undersea, and aerial drone swarms across the fleet.

Feb 11, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

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