From Zelin, Aug. 21, 2025 

Zelim, a leader in AI-driven maritime safety and security systems, has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Navy’s Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Division Newport to trial ZOE for the detection of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).  

The agreement enables Zelim’s participation in BlueTIDE 2025, a high-profile demonstration event led by 401 Tech Bridge, NavalX, and the Northeast Tech Bridge. The event will culminate in a full-scale in-water trial on August 28 in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. 

Zelim is one of just a handful of international companies selected as finalists in the 2025 BlueTIDE Prize Challenge, following a competitive evaluation process.  

This year’s mission scenario focuses on protecting critical subsea infrastructure from hostile activity involving small crewed and uncrewed autonomous systems. Zelim’s role in the scenario involves detecting small remotely operated surface vessels operating covertly in sensitive areas, which may pose a precursor threat to subsurface sabotage. 

The award-winning ZOE MOB system is already deployed in the cruise industry and offshore sector, detecting, alerting, and tracking persons in the water following man overboard incidents. The same AI engine, trained to identify specific shapes, behaviours and anomalies in complex marine environments, also powers ZOE Shield – a new capability under development that delivers maritime situational awareness by detecting and classifying small surface craft that will be operating without AIS.  

ZOE Shield adds automated threat classification and alerting logic, supporting operators with early warning and response capabilities. Critically, the system is immune to GPS denial and radar jamming scenarios, which can disrupt traditional situational awareness technology. The ZOE Shield system will be evaluated during BlueTIDE as part of the Navy’s interest in layered, intelligent safety, security and surveillance. 

“This agreement gives us a unique opportunity to trial ZOE Shield in an operational defence scenario at a US Navy facility, where multiple assets, including USVs will be deployed on the mission,” said Sam Mayall, CEO and co-founder of Zelim.  

CRADAs allow non-federal entities to collaborate directly with US Navy personnel and facilities without being subject to federal acquisition rules, while also protecting intellectual property and proprietary data throughout the research period. 

The BlueTIDE trial will take place off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island, where ZOE will be used to detect and to keep eyes on surface threats as they come within proximity of the critical infrastructure. The goal is to demonstrate how ZOE can improve reaction time and situational awareness in areas where traditional radar or human watchkeeping might miss or misclassify an approaching threat. Data from the demonstration will be shared with the Navy to support capability assessment and further development. 

“This is about closing the gap between detection and decision, especially in domains where the threat is small, fast-moving and unpredictable,” Mayall added. “Our mission is to help operators identify anomalous behaviour earlier, whether the goal is rescue or protection. This demo is a vital step toward deploying ZOE for real-world defence scenarios.” 

Further information will be released following the demonstration and in accordance with the CRADA framework. 

Release from Eureka Naval Craft

Houston-headquartered defense company Eureka Naval Craft is seeking to ramp up production of its AIRCAT BENGAL MC warship in Asia after signing an MOU with Singapore shipbuilder Strategic Marine (S) Pte Ltd. 

Eureka Naval Craft CEO Bo Jardine said the aim of the partnership is to bring a highly advanced Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) to the US Navy and allied navies quickly at a time of increased threat. The versatile catamaran vessel design can further be retooled for the commercial offshore industry as a workboat. 

He said the AIRCAT BENGAL MC solves a pain-point for navies having sophisticated lethality including Tomahawk cruise missile capability.  But importantly Jardine says the vessel comes without the crippling costs and complex design requirements which have dogged naval shipbuilding programs in recent years. 

“By joining forces with Strategic Marine, we are combining American innovation with Singaporean shipbuilding excellence to meet the needs of navies worldwide,” he said. “The AIRCAT BENGAL MC’s modular payload system, large aft deck range, and speed ensure it is at the forefront of maritime technology—ready to adapt to the ever-evolving threats and mission requirements. Our collaboration demonstrates the value of U.S.-Singapore cooperation in driving innovation, strengthening supply chains, and supporting regional security. We are proud to contribute to the U.S. DoD and U.S. Navy’s vision for a more innovative, autonomous, and collaborative maritime force.” 

Mr. Chan Eng Yew from Strategic Marine said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Eureka on this groundbreaking project. Our Singapore shipyard is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a highly experienced team, enabling us to deliver complex vessels quickly and at scale. The AIRCAT BENGAL MC, with its advanced autonomy, exemplifies the future of high-performance vessels for both defense and offshore energy logistics. This partnership not only benefits our companies, but also contributes to the broader economic and security interests of both Singapore and the United States, while supporting allied and partner country collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.” 

Jardine said the 36m multi-mission Surface Effect Ship (SES) can operate as a fully or semi autonomous vessel. Meanwhile it is the first naval vessel anywhere in the world to be able to carry a 40-tonne payload with a top speed of more than 50 knots, payload depending, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles.   

“The reality is the naval market in this weight class needs disrupting,” he said. “Too many vessels today are outdated, sluggish, and expensive. The AIRCAT BENGAL MC provides an alternative to naval corvettes and frigates, thanks to its optimized design and use of modular construction techniques. And the vessel is so versatile it can be used as a troop transport vessel, landing support craft, electronic warfare platform, drone mothership and for mine laying and counter-mine warfare.” 

Jardine said the MOU will further have an AUKUS dimension via Eureka’s partnership with Australian defense company Greenroom Robotics. He said the AIRCAT BENGAL MC has one of the most advanced autonomous navigation systems thanks to deploying the Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) Software system. Greenroom has spent years developing the system notably on a 57m decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat, Sentinel, known as the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT). 

Jardine said the MOU will further see the AIRCAT BENGAL vessels adapted for the commercial offshore oil and gas sector. He pointed to the vessel’s ability to move items offshore and provide a fast, safe alternative for personnel transfer as key advantages.  

Jardine confirmed Eureka is in talks with US shipyards and the US Navy to build AIRCAT vessels in the United States. 

Release From U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday the Initial Operating Capability of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Program Executive Office (PEO). 

This PEO is a key component of the Service’s Force Design 2028 (FD 2028) plan, aimed at integrating capabilities and is poised to be the most transformational enhancement to capability since the inception of aviation.   

The RAS PEO is dedicated to the rapid operationalization of the Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan. Robotics and autonomous systems are anticipated to revolutionize Coast Guard operations, leading to significant impacts to securing our border, facilitating commerce, and responding to contingencies. The establishment of a separate PEO is the most efficient mechanism to translate the evolving technology landscape into fielded capabilities – including Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) – and allows for dedicated advocacy for resources. As an organizational innovation under FD 2028, this initiative will leverage this technological revolution and deliver RAS capabilities that are better, faster, safer and cheaper across all mission sets.  

The core mission of the RAS PEO is to accelerate the development, acquisition, fielding and sustainment of RAS capabilities across the Coast Guard to enhance mission effectiveness and operational readiness. Key goals include achieving RAS Full Operating Capability (FOC), ensuring seamless integration with ongoing RAS initiatives, developing a robust and adaptable acquisition process tailored to technological advancement, fostering innovation through collaboration with industry, academia, and other government agencies and ensuring the long-term sustainability of deployed RAS capabilities through comprehensive sustainment planning. A central element of this effort will be advancing the Coast Guard’s C-UAS Strategy. The RAS PEO will facilitate the Coast Guard’s efforts to forge the C-UAS doctrine, partnerships, and capabilities necessary to defend the U.S. Marine Transportation System and safeguard National Special Security Events. 

The PEO’s responsibilities span the full capability lifecycle, including requirements definition and prioritization, managing acquisition and contracting, overseeing system development and integration, managing fielding and deployment, developing sustainment plans and collaborating with stakeholders. A temporary implementation team comprised of subject matter experts and supporting personnel has been created to focus on achieving FOC, integrating ongoing RAS efforts and launching pilot projects. 

Force Design 2028 is an accelerated effort to establish a blueprint for change and transform the Coast Guard to ensure the Service is ready for the future. Focused on four campaigns—people, organization, contracting and acquisition, and technology—FD 2028 is a once-in-a-generation initiative to transform the Coast Guard’s ability to adapt to its current and future operating environment.  

By Lt. Jackie Parashar, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Aug. 20, 2025 

NORFOLK, Va. – At approximately 9:53 a.m. EDT, a pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, ejected from an F/A-18E Super Hornet while operating off the coast of Virginia during a routine training flight. 
  
Multiple search and rescue assets were deployed and quickly arrived on scene. The pilot was rescued at approximately 11:21 a.m. EDT and was transported to a local hospital for further medical evaluation. The F/A-18E remains in the water where it crashed. 
  
The cause of the mishap is under investigation. 
  

Release From HII

MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Mission Technologies division is among the companies included on a multiple award contract to provide training products and services that will enhance U.S. Navy fleet readiness. 

The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has a ceiling of $267 million and will enable HII to compete for task orders for the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center, which supports professional growth and readiness for U.S. Navy enlisted personnel, and other naval education training commands. 

“Sailor training and professional development are mission-critical — especially when it comes to force protection and combat readiness,” said Michael Lempke, president of Mission Technologies’ Global Security business. “This initiative empowers sailors with the technical skills they need to perform at the highest level, while opening doors for career advancement and lifelong learning.” 

The multiple award contract will support and enhance education, training, career development and personnel advancement for the Navy’s force development enterprise, including curriculum development and learning management systems like Navy e-learning that will enable sailors to participate in on-demand web-based training. Training opportunities like these will enable sailors to meet rapidly changing mission tasks in an increasingly network-centric warfare environment. 

HII provides high-value engineering and technology solutions for multi-domain training, creating realistic live and synthetic training environments that provide real-world mission rehearsal support. 

Multiple contract awards to exceed $34 million, equipping allies with sophisticated Undersea Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare solutions

DELEON SPRINGS, FLORIDA– Aug. 18, 2025 – Sparton DeLeon Springs, LLC (Sparton) was recently awarded multiple firm-fixed-price contracts to supply electro-acoustic devices and various models of sonobuoys to the Australian Department of Defence, the Canadian Department of National Defence, and the Indian Ministry of Defence. The combined value of these contracts exceeds $34 million. All work to support these contracts will be performed at Sparton’s facility in DeLeon Springs, Florida.  

“Sparton is the global leader in designing, developing and producing complex underwater systems that are used to locate submarines,” said Sparton President and CEO Donnelly Bohan. “Securing contracts from multiple allied nations demonstrates the superiority of our solutions and their globally recognized utility in Anti-Submarine Warfare and Undersea Warfare efforts.”   

From USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet Public Affairs, Aug. 18, 2025 

NORFOLK, Va. – The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) returned to Naval Station Norfolk (NSN), Aug. 17, 2025, marking the successful completion of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25). Comfort returned to NSN after a 79-day deployment, providing medical care, humanitarian assistance and strengthening relationships with partner nations in the Caribbean and South and Central America. 

During CP25, Comfort conducted port visits in Grenada, Panama, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Trinidad and Tobago. 
 
“We departed with a clear plan to execute the Continuing Promise mission. The environment demanded adaptability, but our commitment to that promise never wavered,” said Capt. Ryan Kendall, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 40 (DESRON 40) and CP25 mission commander. “The Comfort team and our partners exceeded all expectations, delivering exceptional care and expertise at every mission stop. We forged stronger bonds and honed our collective capabilities, ensuring we are better prepared to support our allies in the face of natural disasters, medical crises, or regional conflict.” 
 
CP25 highlights the U.S. Navy’s dedication to global health and humanitarian aid. Through collaboration, Comfort addressed critical healthcare needs, improved community well-being, and fostered lasting relationships. From surgeries to veterinary care, construction, and music, the mission’s diverse approach achieved sustainable development and strengthened regional security. 
 
During CP25, Comfort’s medical team provided care to 12,616 patients across six countries. Aboard the ship, surgeons performed 242 surgeries, including cataract removals, hernia repairs, cleft lip surgeries, and a variety of other plastic and general surgeries. At shore-based medical sites, the team encountered 1,919 dental patients, filled 17,166 prescriptions, and distributed 7,429 pairs of glasses and sunglasses. Furthermore, the biomedical crew restored more than $2,235,000 worth of medical equipment, including sterilizers, defibrillators, microscopes, X-ray, and anesthesia units. 
 
“Doing this type of work has been incredibly gratifying for me,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Malachi Gregory, assigned to the central sterilization room aboard Comfort. “Having the opportunity to come down here and help people who otherwise wouldn’t be helped, and seeing them afterwards with their families is what makes this mission worth it.” 
 
The CP25 team extended its reach beyond medical care by actively supporting local communities. Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 dedicated 2,571 man-hours to improving eight local schools throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America. These repairs enhanced the learning environment for students and staff and provided valuable opportunities for the Seabees to engage with the community. 
 
“It touched my heart to hear the stories of people from the countries we’ve visited,” said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Fransisco EspinozaJuarez, assigned to NMCB 11. “I feel that the work is better out here, because it’s to help a group of people in need and improving the way of their life.” 
 
Beyond human patients and school repairs, U.S. Army veterinarians from the 248th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support significantly improved animal welfare during the mission, delivering 2,267 treatments, including spays and neuters, and training 512 animal handlers in best practices from cattle farming to food safety. 
 
“I was on Continuing Promise 2024, so I came here with an idea of what the mission would look like,” said Spc. Shahhawaz Peer, a veterinarian assigned to the 248th Medical Detachment. “We were able to make a larger impact than before because of the capabilities of Comfort and the team, especially in Costa Rica with 1,700 animals treated.” 
 
Beyond providing direct animal care, CP25’s veterinary team empowered local dog handlers with essential skills for independent animal treatment. 
 
“We also trained different militaries, including police forces and dog handlers, in K-9 tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) so they can be prepared for whatever happens to their dogs,” explained Spc. Shahhawaz Peer, a veterinarian assigned to the 248th Medical Detachment. 
 
K-9 TCCC was one of 113 subject matter expert exchanges conducted during CP25. The Comfort team hosted other medical expertise exchanges – covering topics such as TCCC, preventative medicine, and “Stop the Bleed” – for 4,022 participants across all mission stops. 
 
“I was meeting experts from the countries that we were visiting and exchanging knowledge with them,” said Lt. Cmdr. Laurie Tantlier, a preventative medicine doctor aboard Comfort. “I am also responsible for the force health protection of the ship, which means I’m responsible for ensuring the crew is healthy and prepared. It is rewarding, especially because it means my team and I are able to help so many people, both my fellow service members and partner nations.” 
 
Community relations (COMREL) events and U.S. Fleet Forces Band “Uncharted Waters” performances were instrumental in forging connections that transcended languages with the communities in all six locations. The mission included 33 band performances and 24 COMREL events, reaching a 10,545 people and 2,358 man-hours, respectively. 
 
“It was great to see familiar faces and to see that what we’re doing has a lasting impact,” said Ensign Christopher McGann, “Uncharted Waters” band director. “Trinidad and Tobago was the best example because their band recognized us from 2023 and immediately jumped at the opportunity to work with us. It’s a unique opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and have a commonality of sharing music together.” 
 
These COMREL events included painting projects, beach cleanups, and sports days with the community. 
 
“I got the opportunity to participate in a COMREL in Grenada,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Bryce Rowley, assigned to surgical services aboard Comfort. “We expected a friendly soccer match with the local school team, but we ended up facing their national squad. The unexpected challenge proved to be incredibly rewarding. I built lasting friendships that day, and now I watch familiar faces dominate the national stage, cheering them on with the warmth of a true supporter.” 
 
A testament to enduring commitment, CP25 is the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth aboard Comfort. These missions have been instrumental in cultivating goodwill, strengthening critical partnerships with allied nations, and catalyzing collaborative initiatives among countries, non-federal entities, and international stakeholders. 
 
Comfort’s return to Naval Station Norfolk marks the culmination of CP25, a mission forging strengthened alliances and revitalized communities. The true impact transcends statistics, visible instead in the gratitude of those served and the transformative experience of the crew, returning as U.S. ambassadors of goodwill. The enduring legacy of Continuing Promise: a testament to the power of compassion and collaboration. 
 
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. 
 
Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil/, X – @ NAVSOUS4THFLT, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-naval-forces-southern-command-u-s-4th-fleet 

WASHINGTON (August 19, 2025) — Airbus U.S. Space & Defense recently completed its first autonomous helicopter test flight utilizing Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy package. 

The test flight, which took place in Grand Prairie, Texas, marks a significant step in the development of the MQ-72C Lakota Connector, in support of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program.  

The H145 helicopter was utilized as the test vehicle for the flight to help perfect the mission technology, drive schedule timelines, and reduce cost and technical risk. Integration of Hivemind into the aircraft was completed in under two months, demonstrating the benefits of its modular and platform-agnostic architecture. 

During the test, the H145 flew under the direct control of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, in collaboration with Airbus’ Helionix. The integrated software served as the mission system control of the aircraft, performing an auto takeoff, landing, and other test points to illustrate the software’s ability to direct the aircraft without pilot input. 

The tested software will be incorporated into the future MQ-72C helicopter design to meet the USMC requirements for the ALC program.  

“This flight test is a testament to the strength of our ALC team and opens the aperture on new mission possibilities to support the Marine Corps,” said Rob Geckle, Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. “We are bringing together the best across industry to deliver an aircraft that changes how unmanned operations can support missions across a wide range of logistics.” 

The MQ-72C Logistics Connector is currently being developed as an unmanned variant of the UH-72 Lakota, a proven multi-mission platform trusted to perform across a range of missions. The incorporation of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software expands the platform’s mission capabilities through autonomy-enabled operations across a wide range of logistics and operational scenarios.  

“This flight marks an important validation of our approach to mission autonomy,” said Gary Steele, CEO of Shield AI. “Hivemind was built to enable adaptable, intelligent flight across a wide range of aircraft, and this milestone shows how quickly capable teams can leverage that foundation. The collaboration with Airbus is focused, professional, and effective—an excellent example of what can be achieved when both teams are aligned on mission and execution. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the flights to come.” 

The MQ-72C’s level of autonomy will be scaled during more test activities and demonstrations to come, ultimately leading to unmanned operations in contested logistics environments. Airbus U.S.’ goal is that mission autonomy software can ultimately be leveraged to add autonomous capabilities to other helicopter variations, in addition to the MQ-72C. 

Airbus U.S. is entering the second year of the Aerial Logistics Connector Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping Program, which aims to provide the service with aircraft prototypes to demonstrate capabilities to the warfighter through a series of operational demonstrations and experiments. 

In May 2024, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded Airbus U.S. Space & Defense a Phase I Other Transaction Authority (OTA) through the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium, based on its unmanned UH-72 Logistics Connector concept, a variant of the proven UH-72 Lakota platform. 

The Aerial Logistics Connector effort is one of several initiatives across the Department of Defense aimed at delivering logistical support in distributed environments during peer or near-peer conflicts. 

From General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. 

SAN DIEGO – 19 August 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and cutting-edge aerospace technologies, today announced the acquisition of key assets, including a portfolio of patents and other intellectual property, from Achates Power, Inc., a San Diego-based innovator in advanced engine technology.  

The acquisition strengthens GA-ASI’s capabilities in high-performance propulsion systems and underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to advancing propulsion technologies for its line of unmanned aircraft systems that enhance the performance and sustainability of its aerospace systems. 

“We are excited to incorporate Achates Power’s opposed-piston engine technology into GA-ASI’s portfolio,” said David Alexander, President of GA-ASI. “Their advancements in green technology emission reduction, fuel efficiency and power density align perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative solutions for airborne platforms.” 

Achates Power has long been recognized for its groundbreaking work in developing best-in-class low-emission, fuel-efficient, and high-power-density engines.  

“Achates Power’s engine designs deliver exceptional value for applications requiring high efficiency and power density, particularly in environments with strict emissions regulations,” said Dave Crompton, CEO of Achates Power. “We are proud that our technology will continue to thrive under GA-ASI, a company renowned for its technical excellence and diverse expertise.” 

From MC1 Brandon Roberson, Aug. 18, 2025 

U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 105 embarked aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), prepare to offload interdicted contraband from a rigid-hull inflatable boat while conducting maritime interdiction operations in the Eastern Pacific, Aug. 11, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Sheryssa Dodard) 

PACIFIC OCEAN – A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), embarked aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), interdicted a suspected drug smuggling vessel and seized approximately 1,296 pounds of cocaine in international waters Aug. 11. 

The Sampson, operating in a known drug trafficking corridor, identified a suspicious vessel exhibiting telltale indicators of smuggling, including excessive fuel barrels and packaged cargo visible on deck. Upon receiving authorization, the ship launched a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49, as well as a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to intercept. 
 
The suspect vessel attempted to flee and began jettisoning packages overboard. After warning shots failed to compel compliance, the helicopter crew, under Coast Guard direction, employed disabling fire, successfully halting the vessel without injury. 
Two boarding teams, including members from LEDET 105, conducted a non-compliant boarding and recovered 12 bales of suspected narcotics. Field tests confirmed the presence of cocaine, and two individuals were taken into custody. 
 
Due to deteriorating seaworthiness and heavy seas, the vessel began taking on water and was deemed unsafe to tow. The suspects were transferred to Sampson, and the vessel was left to sink to mitigate navigational hazards. 
 
The interdiction was conducted under international law and a bilateral agreement with Ecuador. Upon mission completion, tactical control of the Sampson returned to U.S. 3rd Fleet. 
 
This operation reflects ongoing cooperation between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and interagency partners to disrupt transnational criminal networks operating in the maritime domain. 
 
The Sampson is employed under U.S. Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flow of illegal drugs and other illegal activity. U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional military forces and capabilities at the southern border.