Lockheed, Saildrone launch partnership to arm USVs

Lockheed Martin will invest $50 million into uncrewed surface vessel maker Saildrone with the goal of arming and delivering commercially available USVs to the Navy, the companies announced today.

Under the partnership, Lockheed will integrate weapon systems onto Saildrone USVs to support Navy missions including fleet defense and attack. Initial work will include integrating Lockheed’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) quad launcher onto Saildrone’s Surveyor platform -- a 65-foot, wind-powered USV.

“This strategic collaboration will deliver commercially available unmanned surface vehicles (USV) equipped with lethal, combat-proven defense technology,” the announcement states. “The companies will collaborate with a goal of delivering integrations, including on-water, live fire demonstrations, in 2026.”

The companies also plan to equip Lockheed’s Mk 70 vertical launch system, and its thin line towed arrays onto undisclosed larger vehicles currently under development at Saildrone.

Saildrone will maintain “all shipbuilding responsibilities” while Lockheed serves as “lead mission integrator,” the notice adds.

The Navy has been operating Saildrone USVs since 2021, using them primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.