Overview
- Work begins immediately to integrate Lockheed’s JAGM Quad Launcher onto the Saildrone Surveyor using an open architecture and secure command-and-control.
- Collaborative integration teams will accelerate design of larger USVs envisioned to carry Mk70 vertical launchers for Tomahawk-class weapons and thin-line towed sonar arrays.
- The companies describe roles with Saildrone retaining shipbuilding duties as Lockheed serves as lead mission integrator.
- Executives say the initiative is independent research and development with no Pentagon funding stake reported.
- The effort is pitched as supporting the Navy’s hybrid-fleet goals and responses to Chinese naval growth and lessons from Ukraine’s sea-drone attacks.