Pentagon launches campaign for unmanned boats able to launch drones at sea
- The Pentagon seeks autonomous boats capable of launching drones during maritime operations
- Competition offers $100 million before potential $200 million procurement contracts
- Three testing sprints will evaluate operational readiness before procurement decisions
The Pentagon has released a formal solicitation seeking an unmanned surface vessel capable of launching small attack drones directly at sea.
The Defense Innovation Unit outlined the detailed requirements under a project officially called Suitable Warfighting Adaptive Payloads (SWAP-USV).
This competition aims to strengthen asymmetric capabilities against low-cost maritime threats operating across contested waters.
A year-long competition with major funding
The Pentagon is launching a year-long, multi-phase competition backed by roughly $100 million in total prize funding.
This contest will consist of three separate testing sprints, each carrying its own distinct rewards and specific technical requirements for participants.
Companies that complete each testing phase will become eligible for procurement contracts supported by an additional $200 million budget.
Sprint...
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