Lockheed Martin Invests $50M in Saildrone to Develop Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicles

Lockheed Martin is investing $50 million in Saildrone to jointly develop armed unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).

The collaboration will combine lethal payloads and conduct live-fire demonstrations in 2026.

The deal combines Lockheed Martin's defense systems with Saildrone's autonomous platforms to aid future U.S. Navy operations, such as fleet defense, reconnaissance, undersea surveillance, and strike missions.

Lockheed Martin's JAGM Quad Launcher system will be integrated with the Saildrone Surveyor platform. The future variants will be able to carry heavier payloads like the Mk70 Vertical Launching System and towed arrays.

Saildrone, which has been running autonomous naval missions since 2013, will keep shipbuilding duties. Lockheed Martin will be the lead mission integrator to deploy the systems earlier for operational purposes.

Production of larger Saildrone platforms will take place at Austal USA facilities along the Gulf Coast, with potential expansion to other U.S. shipyards. Both companies said the effort is expected to accelerate the deployment of autonomous naval systems while supporting industrial growth across the U.S. maritime base.