USV Archives

A VBAT unmanned aerial system takes off from the flight deck of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) during counter-small UAS training in the Pacific Ocean, April 4, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez)

Military leaders want a more integrated, joint approach to drone dominance

The military’s adoption of drones and counter-drone tech has been historically fragmented, with each service pursuing its own strategies.

Apr 30, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. East coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct dive operations to increase maritime lethality during training off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, Feb. 18, 2025. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s most lethal maritime special operation forces to ensure the United States will deter and win wars. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Katie Cox)

SOCOM highlights 6 focus areas for naval capabilities modernization

Officials released a source-sought notice for the ANCHOR initiative.

Apr 27, 2026 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 PAE for robotic and autonomous systems preparing to release marketplace roadmap

The Navy has been pondering the right mix of GOGO and COCO platforms for the portfolio.

Apr 22, 2026 By Jon Harper

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 considers new Warfighting Development Center for robotic and autonomous systems

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle supplied modernization updates at the Navy League’s Sea Air Space convention.

Apr 20, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

A U.S. Navy Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) maneuvers in the Atlantic Ocean during UNITAS 2025. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

Air Force eyeing robotic boats for Tyndall AFB

The service issued a request for information this week to gather industry feedback.

Apr 17, 2026 By Jon Harper

Screenshot from a video of U.S. Marines with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force testing Marine-Build drones off the coast of Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, March 22, 2026. The training was part of the EOTG Unmanned Systems Branch, which seeks to teach Marines in basic drone operations, capabilities, and assembly. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Giovanni Navarrette)

A first, Marines launch FPV drone at unmanned vessel while aboard naval craft

Marines with III Expeditionary Operations Training Group out of Okinawa, Japan, designed the unmanned surface vessel themselves, officials said, then blew it up with a drone.

Apr 8, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

(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.

Apr 7, 2026 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

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