DoD Launches USX-1, Adding to Underway USV Projects

Earlier this month, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced the successful launch of USX-1 Defiant, a 180-foot autonomous ship in preparation for upcoming in-water and pierside testing.

The 240-ton drone ship falls under DARPA’s No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, which aims to explore non-traditional shipbuilding methods by designing vessels built from inception to exclude all provisions for onboard personnel.

DARPA aims to challenge the conventional model to provide cost-effective and scalable solutions for developing an integrated unmanned surface vessel (USV) fleet. Serco North America wrapped up construction of Defiant in February in time for the ship’s slated multi-month cruise testing in spring 2025.

NOMARS represents a part of the DoD’s multi-pronged approach to USV research and development efforts. For several years, the U.S. Navy has operated a small group of demonstrator medium and large USVs under the Ghost Fleet program to inform procurement decisions for future uncrewed ships.

As the DoD continues to move forward with MUSV and LUSV contract awards and work, some Navy and congressional voices have raised concerns over the unit cost projections and procurement timelines of larger USVs, like Defiant, as the sea service faces serious obstacles in meeting its long-term shipbuilding goals.

Meanwhile, private industry is preparing for the mass production of small USVs—vessels of tens of feet rather than hundreds—to provide the Navy with scalable options to supplement its capital force structure.

With a growing list of USV initiatives underway, including plans for various sizes and mission functions, the DoD has yet to provide firm signaling about where it will prioritize allocations to advance USV integration with the manned naval fleet. The forthcoming FY26 budget request should provide at least some clarity on which USV efforts will receive focused attention.