A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
The U.S. Navy has successfully tested a drone landing on moving ships without relying on GPS or human pilots. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) showcased this capability using onboard cameras, motion sensors, and advanced software, marking a significant advancement in drone tec...
The US Navy has officially retired its traditional minesweepers, opting instead for remote and robotic methods for mine-neutralization. This shift marks a significant change in naval operations, emphasizing the integration of advanced technology in maritime safety. The transition to robotic mine-ne...
The Navy and Shield AI have announced a joint investment of $300 million into the development of the X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone. This funding includes a $150 million modification to an existing agreement under the Pentagon’s Defense Exportability Features program, matched by Shi...
The US Navy is evaluating the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone as a potential force multiplier for maritime patrol operations. This drone, capable of taking off and landing on water, features an open architecture that allows for the integration of new sensors and effectors, enhancing its operational flexibil...
The Navy has announced plans to purchase 30 medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) from Galliano Marine Services, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Saronic Technologies. This decision follows successful at-sea testing and is part of the Navy's new MUSV marketplace initiative. Each MUSV is estimate...
The Navy has revealed plans to procure 30 new drone ships, allocating 10 units each to Galliano Marine Services, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Saronic Technologies under its Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) program. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the Navy's efforts to d...
The U.S. Navy has launched the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) on September 24, aimed at integrating robotic and autonomous systems into naval operations. Led by Rear Admiral Melvin Smith, the center is headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-For...
The Navy has launched Phase II of its medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) project, inviting innovative solutions for integration and testing. The solicitation notice, released on September 23, emphasizes the need for adaptable and resilient designs that can address evolving maritime threats. This...
The Navy has launched the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) to develop tactics and procedures for unmanned systems. Headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia, RASWDC aims to unify efforts across the Navy to enhance operational...
The Navy is advancing its find, fix, and finish kill chain through the implementation of remote mine hunting technologies. This innovative approach leverages autonomy, artificial intelligence, and advanced sonar systems to effectively locate and neutralize underwater mines, significantly improving o...
The Swedish Navy's experimentation office, MaX, has been testing the Blueye X3 ROV since May 2026. The ROV has been utilized for various tasks, including filming the Navy's unmanned underwater vehicle, LUUV. MaX is particularly focused on how the X3 can assist in manned dives, especially in challeng...
The EDGE Group, a defense company from the United Arab Emirates, has successfully delivered six HT 100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters to the Angolan navy. This delivery is part of a €1 billion ($1.2 billion) contract finalized in 2023, following successful Factory Acceptance Trials (FAT) conducted in Sw...
The U.S. Navy has lost a Dive-LD uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) to Iran, which claims to have retrieved it intact near the Strait of Hormuz. This incident marks the first known operational deployment of the Dive-LD, a relatively new capability for the Navy that began service over a year ago. The...
Teledyne Webb Research has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy for the provision of APEX profiling floats. This contract highlights the Navy's commitment to enhancing oceanographic research capabilities through advanced technology. The APEX profiling floats are designed to collect critical oce...
The US Navy has successfully showcased a robotic system capable of capturing, refueling, and releasing an unmanned surface vessel (USV) at sea. This demonstration, led by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, took place off Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, and inv...
Marotta Controls, a US aerospace and defense contractor, has secured contracts to provide technology for two subsystems of the US Navy’s Next Generation Jammer–Low Band (NGJ-LB) program. Announced on September 2, the contracts involve a subcontract with CFD Research Corporation for a ram-air turbine...
HII, the largest military shipbuilder in the US, is targeting a 15% increase in shipyard throughput this year to expedite deliveries to the US Navy. The strategy involves workforce expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced use of technology, particularly physical AI, in shipbuilding operation...
The U.S. Navy has updated its requirements for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, indicating a shift towards advanced uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs). This change suggests the Navy is seeking capabilities similar to those explored in the X-47B and UCLASS programs, which were previ...
Firestorm Labs, based in San Diego, showcased its ability to manufacture UAV parts using 3D printing technology aboard the USS Essex during a two-week voyage to the Rim of the Pacific 2026 military exercise. The company produced over 1,000 drone components, which were assembled into Squall UAVs for...
Recent reports indicate that British Navy drones were detected communicating with a Chinese IP address. The origin of the component that facilitated this communication remains uncertain, especially considering the UK's prohibition on using Chinese parts in military equipment. This situation raises...
Recent reports indicate that Chinese-made components in the cameras of the U.K. Royal Navy's Kraken Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) were transmitting data to a device in China. The U.K. Ministry of Defense confirmed the issue, which arose during a routine cyber vulnerability assessment, prompting th...
The Navy has announced the creation of a new Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS) as part of a leadership restructuring. Chris Miller, currently leading the portfolio acquisition executive Maritime office, will take on the role of acting DRPM RAS, reportin...
Oshen has successfully demonstrated the seabed-mapping capabilities of its sail-powered robots during a trial conducted by the U.S. Navy. This trial showcased the robots' ability to efficiently map underwater terrains, which is crucial for various naval operations and environmental assessments. The...
Blue Water Autonomy has been awarded a multiple-award contract by the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) to conduct high-resolution ocean floor mapping using its autonomous vessels. This contract, which has a ceiling of $40 million, allows Blue Water Autonomy to leverage its technology for deep...
A Saildrone Voyager unmanned surface vehicle (USV) assisted the U.S. Navy in tracking and intercepting a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the seizure of approximately $81 million worth of cocaine on October 16, 2025. This operation highlights the transition of autonomou...
The U.S. Navy has renewed its task order for Saildrone, extending the deployment of Voyager unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions. This extension aims to enhance maritime surveillance and counter-drug operations in these critical areas. The significance of th...
The U.S. Navy has successfully utilized the Saildrone Voyager unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to assist in a significant drug bust, seizing over $81 million in cocaine during an operation in October 2025. This operation highlights the effectiveness of unmanned systems in maritime security, particular...
RTsys Underwater Technologies, the Republic of Singapore Navy, and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have announced the operational deployment of COMET-MCM autonomous underwater vehicles. These drones are designed to detect and identify naval mines, marking a significant advancement i...
The U.S. Navy confirmed that its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) participated in a live-fire training exercise during RIMPAC 2026, targeting the ex-USS Peleliu. This marked the first operational use of kamikaze drone boats in a combat scenario, showcasing the Navy's advancements in unm...
The U.S. Navy is actively pursuing a multi-mission maritime security vessel to support operations for the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). This vessel is intended to launch, recover, and support both manned and unmanned air and surface platforms, enhancing maritime domain awareness and response cap...
Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone have initiated legal action against the U.S. Navy, asserting that their submissions met the requirements for the new MUSV marketplace. The lawsuits highlight the companies' contention that their proposals were compliant with the Navy's specifications, which is cruci...
The U.S. Navy is planning to develop carrier-based uncrewed aircraft capable of striking enemy targets at least 1,000 nautical miles away without mid-air refueling. This initiative is part of a broader request for information (RFI) issued by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) regarding the Air Wing...
The U.S. Navy has awarded a $10 million contract to Ursa Major to enhance the Mk 104 solid rocket motor through critical design review and static-fire testing. This initiative is part of the Navy's ongoing efforts to expand U.S. missile propulsion manufacturing capabilities. This contract builds on...
Exail has been awarded a contract to supply three light Mine Countermeasures (MCM) systems to a European navy. These systems are designed for rapid deployment from Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and integrate Exail's UMIS technology, enabling efficient identification and neutralization of und...
Boeing announced that the U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray has successfully completed its second test flight, marking significant progress in the development of the Navy's unmanned refueling aircraft. This flight confirmed the drone's flight controls and performance, moving closer to its intended carrier...
Phoenix International has announced the successful completion of the inaugural mission for its CURV 7 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), developed for the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV). This mission highlights the advanced capabilities of the CURV 7, which is par...
Spry Technocon Private Limited has formed a strategic partnership with Teledyne Marine, Klein Marine Systems, and VideoRay to develop advanced Unmanned Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Systems for the Indian Navy. This collaboration aims to leverage cutting-edge underwater sensing and imaging technologies...
HII has been awarded an option year production contract for the U.S. Navy's Lionfish small unmanned undersea vehicle (SUUV), which is based on the REMUS 300 platform. This contract, announced on June 7, 2026, continues the momentum of the Lionfish program, which achieved a significant milestone with...
ZeroUSV recently showcased its Oceanus12 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the Royal Danish Navy in a demonstration held two hours northwest of Copenhagen, Denmark. This event was part of a competitive selection process by Danish Defence, aimed at evaluating the capabilities of the Oceanus12 USV over...
The USS Ohio has been fitted with the DRAKE jammer, enhancing its capability to detect and disrupt drones when surfacing. This advancement underscores the U.S. Navy's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its operations. The implementation of the DRAKE jammer is significant as it a...
Shield AI is set to unveil the first prototypes of its X-BAT jet-powered stealth drone by the end of October. This uncrewed aircraft, designed for vertical takeoff and landing, is part of the U.S. Navy's Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program, which aims to enhance operatio...
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has introduced legislation aimed at preventing the Navy from renaming the future USS Doris Miller after President Donald Trump. Doris Miller, a Black World War II hero, served aboard the USS West Virginia and became the first Black service member to receive the Navy Cros...
The US Navy has awarded a $10 million contract to Saildrone to utilize autonomous vessels for mapping the Atlantic Ocean floor. This initiative, assigned by the Naval Oceanographic Office, is set to commence in 2026 and will continue through most of 2027, enhancing military knowledge of critical und...
The USS Mustin, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, has been equipped with the Mk 38 Mod 4 Gun Weapon System, which integrates a .50 caliber machine gun atop a 30mm chain gun. This innovative system enhances the ship's firepower and capabilities, particularly in countering drone threats. This upgrade...
Continuous Composites has been awarded a Phase II SBIR contract by the U.S. Navy to develop composite aircraft components that integrate electrical power conductors within their structures. This innovative approach aims to reduce the reliance on traditional wiring and connectors in unmanned aerial v...
Lockheed Martin and Saildrone successfully demonstrated missile launches from an unmanned surface vessel during the RIMPAC 2026 exercise near Hawaii. This integration of Lockheed Martin’s Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) Dual Launcher and Adjunct Remote Engagement System (ARES) on a Surveyor-class...
The U.S. Navy's Exercise Lanternfish 26 showcased the capabilities of ThayerMahan's ShorePicket and Outpost systems in detecting unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These systems successfully tracked UUVs ranging from six inches to extra-large sizes, highlighting the importance of distributed acous...
Ultra Maritime demonstrated a new underwater surveillance system during the U.S. Navy’s 2026 Lanternfish exercise. The system integrates the Sea Spear passive sonar with the SSQ-125B active sonobuoy to enhance detection capabilities for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). This combination allows fo...
HII announced that its autonomous Watcher small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV), based on the ROMULUS-25, has successfully passed a critical test recognized by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). This achievement marks the completion of the Production-Ready, Inexpensive, Maritime Expeditionary (P...
Recent satellite imagery reveals that the Russian Navy has begun using nets to shield submarines from drone attacks at its strategic base in Kamchatka. This development highlights Russia's growing concerns about drone threats, extending to critical facilities beyond the Ukraine conflict. Additionall...
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