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2d ago

DARPA Christens USX-1 Defiant USV Ahead of Extended Ocean Trials

Defiant will embark on a long-range autonomous demonstration to validate its open-ocean capabilities before transfer to the Navy’s PMS 406.

DARPA’s USX-1 Defiant, the NOMARS program prototype vessel designed to operate unmanned at sea, built without any features to accommodate a crew. (Photo: DARPA)
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Overview

  • The USX-1 Defiant, a 54.8-meter, 240-metric-ton unmanned surface vessel built under DARPA’s NOMARS program, was christened at Everett Ship Repair on August 13, 2025.
  • Designed without crew passageways and featuring a simplified hull, Defiant aims for rapid production and maintenance in Tier III shipyards while sustaining operations in sea state 5 and above.
  • The vessel is completing final systems testing ahead of an extended at-sea autonomous demonstration to prove its seakeeping, survivability, and endurance.
  • Upon conclusion of the sea trials, DARPA will hand over Defiant to the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office (PMS 406) for further evaluation and potential service transition.
  • A July 2025 congressional appropriation of $2.1 billion for medium unmanned surface vessels underscores congressional and Navy support for scaling up crewless ship production.