US Navy's Autonomous Warship Prototype Begins Sea Trials

The USX-1 Defiant, developed under DARPA’s NOMARS program, is a fully unmanned vessel designed for extended missions without human crew.

The USX-1 Defiant is a 180-foot, 240-ton unmanned surface vessel built under DARPA’s No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program.
The vessel eliminates traditional crew accommodations, enabling a smaller, more efficient design with increased stealth and operational capabilities.
Developed by Serco Inc. under a $68.5 million contract, the Defiant features hybrid power, podded propulsion, and high-capacity batteries for long-term resilience at sea.
The ship is set to undergo extensive sea trials, including a multi-month autonomous demonstration expected to begin in spring 2025.
Probable missions for the Defiant include maritime patrols, reconnaissance, anti-submarine operations, and acting as a combat force multiplier for crewed naval vessels.