Pentagon seeks robot boats capable of launching attack drones within 120 days

Published Jul 29, 07:22 PM UTC

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.