The US Navy announced on 29 September that it had awarded production Other Transaction Authority agreements to Galliano Marine Services, HII and Saronic Technologies following Phase I at-sea testing of medium uncrewed surface vessels (MUSVs). Each agreement covers ten vessels, for a planned total of 30. The Navy gives an average procurement cost of $40 million per vessel and says the first are scheduled for delivery before the end of fiscal year 2027.
The trials assessed how the craft perceive the maritime environment, navigate in accordance with collision-prevention rules and sustain longer missions. The Navy has not published a comparative performance table, vessel configurations, detailed delivery schedule or acceptance results. It also has not said that these 30 craft are already delivered or operational.
Different outcomes from the first phase
Leidos, PAC MAR and Sea Machines completed their prototype other-transaction projects and, under the previously established terms, will receive a $15 million award. The announcement does not specify whether that figure is per company or shared. The Navy says those three firms and the production awardees will be accepted onto its Maritime Marketplace, where they may become eligible for later production agreements. Marketplace inclusion does not itself add vessels to the present 30-craft order.
On 23 September the Navy issued a separate Phase II integration and testing call for solutions. That next-stage invitation concerns potential future capabilities and payloads; it should not be confused with a delivery or acceptance milestone for the newly ordered hulls. The next evidence to watch is the first delivered configuration, its Navy acceptance and demonstrated fleet operations.
Publication history
- — Added Navy production awards following Phase I testing, separating current awards from future deliveries and marketplace eligibility.
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