Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats to Launch Attack Drones in 120 Days
The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like smuggling boats and semi-submersibles in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV project includes a year-long prize challenge with $100 million in prizes and up to $200 million in procurement contracts. Systems must be container-transportable, autonomous, and deployable within 120 days, with in-water testing by fall 2026.
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Reports are grouped by semantic similarity and deterministic rules. Language models may assist titles, summaries, translation and cross-source analysis; the page itself is projected from evidence records.
- Current automated evidence projection
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Pentagon seeks robot boats to launch attack drones within 120 days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like unmanned boats and drug smuggling semi-submersibles. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems that can carry, launch, and control at least two UAVs with a combined kinetic payload of over 4 pounds. The program is structured as a year-long prize challenge with $100 million in prize money and a potential $200 million in procurement contracts. The first sprint requires in-water testing by fall 2026, with a goal of field deployment within 120 days. The Pentagon emphasizes the need for cost-effective solutions to address the unfavorable cost-exchange ratio of defending against inexpensive threats using multi-million-dollar naval assets.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats to Launch Attack Drones Within 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to counter asymmetric maritime threats in contested waters like the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV (Suitable Warfighting Adaptive Payloads) project seeks mature, market-ready systems that can carry, launch, and control at least two small UAVs with a combined kinetic payload of over 4 pounds. The program includes a year-long contest with $100 million in prize money and a potential $200 million in procurement contracts. The first sprint requires in-water testing by fall 2026, with a goal of field deployment within 120 days. The system must be containerized for transport and capable of autonomous surveillance, interdiction, and shadowing of vessels. The solicitation cites threats from 'go-fast' smuggling boats and semi-submersibles, highlighting the unfavorable cost-exchange ratio of using expensive naval assets against cheap drones.
Pentagon seeks robot boats to launch attack drones within 120 days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, with a goal of field-testing within 120 days. The 'Suitable Warfighting Adaptive Payloads' (SWAP-USV) project aims to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like smuggling boats and semi-submersibles, which currently have a favorable cost-exchange ratio for adversaries. The program includes a year-long prize challenge backed by $100 million, with three sprints. Requirements include a USV carrying at least two drones with a combined 2 kg payload for kinetic strikes, autonomous surveillance and interdiction capabilities, and transportability in standard cargo containers. The solicitation emphasizes using mature, market-ready technology and offers up to $200 million in procurement contracts for successful participants.
Show 14 older updatesHide older updates
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats to Launch Attack Drones Within 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like smuggling boats and semi-submersibles. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems integrated with at least two aerial drones for kinetic strikes, ISR, and electronic warfare. A year-long prize challenge with $100 million in prize money and a $200 million procurement budget backs the effort. The first sprint requires in-water testing within 29 days of selection, with a goal of field deployment within 120 days. The system must be containerized and transportable by C-17 or C-130 aircraft.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats to Launch Attack Drones Within 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like go-fast smuggling boats and semi-submersibles. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems that can carry, launch, and control at least two UAVs with a combined kinetic payload of over 4 pounds. The program includes a year-long prize challenge backed by $100 million in prize money and a $200 million procurement budget. The first sprint requires in-water testing in fall 2026 with a goal of field deployment within 120 days. The system must be mobile enough to fit in standard cargo containers and transportable via C-17 or C-130 aircraft. The initiative addresses the unfavorable cost-exchange ratio where expensive naval assets are used to intercept inexpensive threats.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats to Launch Attack Drones Within 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like drone boats and semi-submersibles in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems that can carry, launch, and control at least two small UAVs with a combined kinetic payload of over 4 pounds. The program includes a year-long contest with $100 million in prize money and a potential $200 million in procurement contracts. The first sprint requires in-water testing by fall 2026, with a goal of field deployment within 120 days. The system must be containerized for transport and capable of autonomous surveillance, shadowing, and interdiction of hostile vessels.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats to Launch Attack Drones in 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to field a system within 120 days. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready technology to counter asymmetric maritime threats like drone boats and semi-submersibles, particularly in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The program includes a year-long prize challenge backed by $100 million, with three sprints leading to potential procurement contracts worth $200 million. The USVs must carry, launch, and control at least two UAVs with a combined kinetic payload of over 4 pounds, capable of ISR, electronic warfare, and precision strikes. The system must be transportable in standard cargo containers and on military aircraft. The initiative aims to address the unfavorable cost-exchange ratio of using expensive naval assets against cheap threats.
Pentagon issues request for robot boats capable of launching attack drones
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, under the SWAP-USV project. The goal is to find mature, market-ready systems within 120 days to counter asymmetric maritime threats like unmanned boats and small drones in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The project includes a year-long contest with $100 million in prize money and a $200 million procurement budget. The USVs must carry, launch, and control at least two UAVs with a combined kinetic payload of at least 2 kg. The system must be mobile, fitting into standard cargo containers and transportable by C-17 or C-130 aircraft. The solicitation cites threats including 'go-fast' smuggling boats and semi-submersibles used by drug cartels. The project comprises three sprints, with Sprint 1 requiring in-water testing in fall 2026 and deployment within 120 days.
Pentagon seeks robot boats to launch attack drones within 120 days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap maritime threats like unmanned boats and small drones in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems integrating two or more aerial drones for detection, tracking, and kinetic strikes. A year-long prize challenge with $100 million in prize money and potential $200 million procurement contracts backs the effort. The system must be deployable within 120 days, fit in standard cargo containers, and operate autonomously for surveillance and interdiction. The solicitation cites the unfavorable cost-exchange ratio of using expensive naval assets against inexpensive adversary threats, including drug cartel semi-submersibles. The project includes three sprints, with the first requiring in-water testing by fall 2026.
Pentagon seeks robot boats capable of launching attack drones within 120 days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that can launch small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like drone boats and semi-submersibles in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems integrated with at least two aerial drones for detection, tracking, and kinetic strikes. The program includes a year-long contest with $100 million in prize money and a $200 million procurement budget. Systems must be deployable within 120 days, fit in standard cargo containers, and operate autonomously for surveillance and interdiction. The solicitation cites the unfavorable cost-exchange ratio of using expensive naval assets against inexpensive threats. Three sprints are planned, with in-water testing starting in fall 2026.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats Capable of Launching Attack Drones Within 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that can launch small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like drone swarms and smuggling boats in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV (Suitable Warfighting Adaptive Payloads) project seeks mature, market-ready systems integrating two or more aerial drones for detection, tracking, and kinetic strikes with a combined payload of at least 2 kg. The program includes a year-long contest with $100 million in prize money across three sprints, with the first requiring in-water testing by fall 2026 and field deployment within 120 days. The system must be containerized for transport via C-17/C-130 aircraft and capable of autonomous surveillance, shadowing, and interception. Companies passing phases are eligible for procurement contracts backed by a $200 million budget.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats Capable of Launching Attack Drones Within 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that can launch small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like those in the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems integrated with at least two aerial drones for detection, tracking, and kinetic strikes. The program includes a year-long prize challenge backed by $100 million, with a goal of field-testing a system within 120 days. The USV must carry a combined payload of at least 2 kg, be transportable in standard cargo containers, and support autonomous surveillance and interdiction. The solicitation cites threats from go-fast smuggling boats and semi-submersibles, and aims to improve the cost-exchange ratio against inexpensive adversary assets.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats to Launch Attack Drones in 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, with a goal of field-testing within 120 days. The SWAP-USV project aims to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like drone boats and semi-submersibles in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The program includes a year-long prize challenge backed by $100 million, with three sprints. Requirements include carrying at least two drones with a combined kinetic payload of 2 kg, autonomous surveillance and interdiction capabilities, and transportability via standard cargo containers or military aircraft. The initiative seeks to address the unfavorable cost-exchange ratio of using expensive naval assets against low-cost threats. Companies passing phases are eligible for procurement contracts up to $200 million.
Pentagon Issues Solicitation for Robot Boats Capable of Launching Attack Drones
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, with a goal of field-testing within 120 days. The SWAP-USV project aims to counter asymmetric maritime threats like drone swarms and smuggling boats in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The program is a year-long contest backed by $100 million in prize money, seeking mature, market-ready systems that can carry, launch, and control at least two small UAVs with a combined payload of over 4 pounds. The system must be mobile enough to fit in standard cargo containers and transportable via C-17 or C-130 aircraft. The solicitation emphasizes autonomous surveillance, interdiction, and cost-effective solutions to address the unfavorable cost-exchange ratio of using expensive naval assets against cheap threats. Three sprints are planned, with the first requiring in-water testing by fall 2026 and potential procurement contracts backed by a $200 million budget.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats to Launch Attack Drones in 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to counter asymmetric maritime threats like unmanned boats and small drones in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems that can carry, launch, and control at least two UAVs with a combined kinetic payload of over 4 pounds. The initiative includes a year-long prize challenge backed by $100 million in prize money and a $200 million procurement budget. The Pentagon requires systems to be mobile, fitting in standard cargo containers and transportable by C-17 or C-130 aircraft. The project comprises three sprints, with the first requiring in-water testing in fall 2026 and deployment within 120 days. The solicitation cites threats including 'go-fast' smuggling boats and semi-submersibles used by drug cartels.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats Capable of Launching Attack Drones Within 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of launching small attack drones, aiming to counter cheap asymmetric maritime threats like drone boats and semi-submersibles in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The SWAP-USV project seeks mature, market-ready systems that can carry, launch, and control at least two UAVs with a combined kinetic payload of 2 kg. The program is structured as a year-long prize challenge with $100 million in prize money, divided into three sprints. Sprint 1 requires in-water testing by fall 2026 and field deployment within 120 days. The Pentagon emphasizes cost-effectiveness, noting that current multi-million-dollar naval assets are inefficient against inexpensive adversary threats. The system must be transportable in standard cargo containers and capable of autonomous surveillance, shadowing, and interception of vessels.
Pentagon Seeks Robot Boats Capable of Launching Attack Drones Within 120 Days
The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has issued a solicitation for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that can carry, launch, and control at least two small attack drones. The program, called SWAP-USV, aims to counter the cost-ineffective defense against cheap maritime threats like small boats and drones in contested waters such as the Persian Gulf. The DIU has created a year-long prize challenge backed by $100 million, with a goal of field-testing a system within 120 days. The USVs must be container-transportable and capable of autonomous surveillance, interception, and kinetic strikes with a combined payload of at least 2 kg. The solicitation also cites threats from drug cartel semi-submersibles. The challenge includes three sprints, with $40 million in prize money for the first phase, and successful companies may qualify for procurement contracts backed by a $200 million budget.