Navy Selects Three Contractors for 30 Unmanned Surface Vessels in Major Acquisition Push

The Navy awarded contracts to Galliano Marine Services, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Saronic Technologies for 10 medium unmanned surface vessels each, following successful at-sea testing. Each vessel will cost approximately $40 million, with deliveries expected by the end of fiscal 2027. Three additional companies that completed testing were added to the Navy's online marketplace for future unmanned systems procurement.

The Navy's MUSV marketplace represents a shift in defense acquisition strategy, moving away from traditional lengthy procurement processes toward purchasing platforms that are already operational and proven. By conducting at-sea demonstrations from July through October, the service evaluated multiple vendors' capabilities in real-world conditions before making purchasing commitments. The $40 million per-vessel price tag reflects the cost of acquiring medium-displacement unmanned systems equipped for naval operations.

Six companies successfully navigated the testing phase and now have pathways to additional contracts across the Department of Defense through the online marketplace model. This approach aims to accelerate the fielding of unmanned capabilities to naval forces while maintaining competition among suppliers for future orders beyond the initial 30-vessel commitment.