USV Archives

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.

3 hours ago 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

The medium displacement unmanned surface vessels Seahawk, front, and Sea Hunter launch for the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem 21. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Gooley)

Navy ramping up sea drone arsenal as officials aim for half of the surface fleet to be unmanned by 2045

Senior officials shed new light on a variety of moves the Navy is making to normalize operations that integrate drones across the force.

Jan 15, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

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

A Boeing unmanned MQ-25 aircraft is given operating directions on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hillary Becke)

Billions for new uncrewed systems and drone-killing tech included in Pentagon’s 2026 budget plan

The Defense Department rolled out information to reporters Thursday on its FY26 budget request.

Jun 26, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, retrieve an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USVs) from the water during Arcane Thunder 25, 16 May, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jennifer Posy)

Army weaves robo-boats, drones, balloons and C2 tech into multi-continent Arcane Thunder exercise

The live-fire event, which took place in Europe and Arizona, was led by the Army's 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force.

May 30, 2025 By Jon Harper

Navy removes flag officer who oversaw acquisition of unmanned maritime systems

The Navy on Tuesday relieved Rear Adm. Kevin Smith as program executive officer for unmanned and small combatants.

May 27, 2025 By Jon Harper

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