Navy teases next step in key drone boat program

The Navy plans to launch the next phase of its marketplace for high-capacity, medium-sized drone boats on August 1, according to a contract notice. 

The medium unmanned surface vessel, or MUSV, program “uses modular design principles to create adaptable and resilient solutions that can effectively counter evolving threats,” the July 7 notice states. “Interested parties with expertise in vessel construction, autonomy, perception systems and complex maritime problem solving experience are invited to participate in this opportunity.”

Earlier this year, the Navy changed its approach to buying medium unmanned surface vessels, favoring a marketplace format and spurring a competition and sea trials. 

The coming request for prototype proposals will have “detailed requirements for high-capacity MUSV solutions used for logistics support and capable of transporting containerized payloads,” the Navy wrote in the notice. 

The announcement comes as the Pentagon stands up new oversight for autonomous systems across all the services, with MUSVs as an exception. 

“The MUSV continues to be a strictly Navy-led program,” a Navy spokesperson told Defense One. “We will evaluate all requirements and release recurring marketplaces as the fleet demand signal evolves, ensuring our warfighters maintain an operational advantage.”

The Navy is working with the new Pentagon office for non-MUSV programs. 

“The Navy is partnering with the [Pentagon’s direct reporting portfolio manager for unmanned and autonomous systems] to streamline acquisition, enhance joint interoperability, and accelerate delivery of autonomous capabilities to the warfighter. While transitioning decision authority for select unmanned vessels to the DRPM, the Navy maintains stewardship over major programs of record,” the spokesperson said. “To ensure operational readiness and theater compatibility, Navy leaders are aligning all remaining programs with joint data standards, providing the critical personnel, resource support, and technical expertise required for a swift and successful stand-up.”