Overview
- The Defense Innovation Unit has posted a SWAP‑USV solicitation that invites industry to submit mature, market-ready unmanned surface vessels integrated with aerial drones and sets an Aug. 10 response deadline.
- Entrants must show systems that can be fielded within 120 days of selection, fit in standard cargo containers or on C-17/C-130 transports, and launch from expeditionary or unimproved sites.
- Each USV must carry and control at least two integrated aerial drones whose combined kinetic payload is at least 2 kilograms and that can perform ISR, communications relay, electronic warfare, payload delivery, or precision engagement under operator command.
- The program uses a three-sprint Prize Challenge with $100 million in awards and eligibility for up to $200 million in follow-on procurement; Sprint 1 calls for in-water testing in fall 2026 and requires systems to be ready within 29 days of down‑selection.
- Industry moves such as ReconCraft’s plan to build Ukrainian-designed Magura boats and recent Navy unmanned-boat experiments off South Carolina suggest a growing commercial supply chain that could feed the competition and speed field deployment.