Demonstration Sets New Benchmark for Persistent USV Operations, Directly Supporting Evolving U.S. Government Concepts for Maritime Defense and Deterrence  

From Maritime Tactical Systems Inc. 

Melbourne, Florida, May 5, 2026 — Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC) announced today that its T38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel (USV) has completed a record-setting 8-day, completely autonomous mission off the coast of California, demonstrating a level of endurance, reliability and operational control not previously achieved in its class.  

The USV, owned and operated by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division’s (NAWCWD) Point Mugu Sea Range through its Future Capabilities Office’s Blue Water Instrumentation (BWI), successfully demonstrated extended autonomous operations in open-ocean conditions. This is critical to BWI’s goal of advancing the Navy’s ability to conduct test and evaluation programs in challenging maritime environments where traditional, fixed position instrumentation is unavailable.  

The demonstration highlighted the T38’s ability to operate autonomously for extended periods, maintain station in dynamic sea states, and support a range of mission profiles.   

Unique from scripted government sponsored events, no chase boats or escorts were involved in the operation that mirrored real-world operational requirements. The T38 safely navigated around multiple static and mobile contacts during the underway period, further demonstrating that its autonomy stack is compliant with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREG).  

The mission emphasized persistence over speed, with the vessel averaging just over 4 knots per hour, validating its role as a long-endurance, forward-deployed asset capable of sustained presence rather than short-duration sprint operations. In short intervals where burst speed was required, the vessel demonstrated its trademark capability of 50+ knots per hour.  

A defining element of the mission was a deliberate two-day alternating single-engine operational period conducted approximately 400 nautical miles offshore. This was not a failure scenario; it was an intentional maneuver to extend loiter time and evaluate endurance under reduced propulsion conditions. During this period, the T38 autonomously maintained its designated station, continued data collection, and executed mission objectives without degradation, reinforcing the platform’s efficiency, control logic and mission flexibility.  

Sea conditions averaged Sea State 3, a slight sea condition with wave heights between 1.5 to 4 feet, with the vessel experiencing conditions up to Sea State 5 and wave heights reaching 10 feet, further stressing the platform across propulsion, autonomy and hull performance envelopes.  

Critically, performance in these conditions underscored the inherent stability advantages of the T38’s catamaran hull design. The twin engine, twin-hull configuration provides a wide beam and reduced roll, enabling the platform to remain steady in higher sea states. This stability directly translates to improved mission effectiveness, whether collecting high-fidelity sensor data, maintaining precise station-keeping or supporting targeting and firing solutions where platform stability is essential.  

The mission also validated extended range performance, confirming that the T38, when operating at 100% fuel capacity, is capable of exceeding 2,400 nautical miles of operational range under endurance-focused profiles.  

“This mission was designed to test more than endurance, it validated how the system performs when pushed into extended, efficiency-driven operations at distance,” said Karl Van Deusen, Senior Vice President for Federal and Government Sales. “Intentional single-engine operations at 400 nautical miles offshore, combined with continuous autonomy over eight days, demonstrate a level of operational control and flexibility that is directly aligned with real-world mission demands.”  

This milestone event establishes a new benchmark for persistent unmanned maritime operations, particularly in scenarios requiring extended loiter, distributed presence and reduced logistics dependency. The ability to sustain operations for over a week, and to intentionally modulate propulsion to extend mission duration, directly supports the emerging need for solutions in contested and remote maritime environments.  

The carbon fiber T38 Devil Ray, a 38-foot autonomous surface vessel, is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), maritime domain awareness, logistics support and distributed fleet operations. Built on MARTAC’s open-architecture autonomy framework, the platform supports modular payloads and resilient communications, enabling mission execution in denied or degraded conditions.  

May 5, 2026 

MAYPORT, Fla. – The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13), operating under U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in the Gulf of America, returned to Naval Station Mayport after completing a six-month deployment on May 4, 2026. 

Wichita assumed duties previously executed by the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS St. Louis (LCS 19) in support of USNORTHCOM’s border security objectives. 

“The crew of Wichita is grateful for the opportunity to support and defend the homeland,” stated Cmdr. Travis Snover, Wichita’s commanding officer. “During the deployment we demonstrated the U.S. commitment to international cooperation and supporting regional security and prosperity. Our officers and Sailors onboard welcomed every opportunity to collaborate with our partners, strengthening our interoperability and shared goals in the area.” 

In support of USNORTHCOM’s mission to restore territorial integrity at the U.S. southern border, Wichita reinforced the nation’s commitment to border security by enhancing maritime efforts and supporting interagency collaboration. The ship’s deployment highlights the Department of War and Navy’s dedication to national security priorities, contributing to a coordinated and robust response to combating maritime-related terrorism, weapons proliferation, transnational crime, piracy, environmental destruction, and illegal seaborne immigration. 

Wichita brought maritime capabilities in response to Presidential executive orders and a national emergency declaration and clarification of the military’s role in protecting the territorial integrity of the United States. 

Wichita is assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 and homeported in Mayport, Fla. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. It is a class of small surface combatants armed with capabilities to defeat challenges in the world’s littorals. LCS can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers. 

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

From Austal USA, May 4, 2026 

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA celebrated the start of construction on its fifth U.S. Navy Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1700-class vessel, LCU 1714, at its Mobile, Ala. ship manufacturing facility on April 27, 2026.  

This progress highlights continued momentum for the LCU program, a key component of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps’ expeditionary capabilities. Austal USA was awarded a $91.5 million contract in September 2023 for the design and construction of up to 12 LCUs and associated support efforts. Currently, five construction contracts have been awarded to Austal USA. 

“Austal USA is proud to continue advancing the LCU program with the start of construction on LCU 1714,” said Bill Bingle, acting vice president of surface ship programs. “This milestone reflects the strength of our serial production approach and the dedication of our workforce to delivering high-quality ships that support critical Navy and Marine Corps missions.” 

LCU vessels are deployed from the Navy’s amphibious assault ships and operate across a wide range of missions, transporting Marine Corps vehicles, equipment and personnel from ship to shore and back. These platforms provide significant heavy-lift capability, carrying payloads comparable to multiple C-17 aircraft. 

LCU 1710, the first vessel in the program constructed at Austal USA, recently conducted acceptance trials and will be delivered to the Navy soon. The program continues to scale as part of Austal USA’s growing steel shipbuilding portfolio. 

The LCU program is one of three ship platforms under serial production at Austal USA. In total, 12 ships are under construction across the company’s programs with three vessels preparing for sea trials. This demonstrates the company’s ability to execute multiple programs simultaneously while maintaining production efficiency. 

Austal USA continues to leverage its advanced manufacturing facilities, uniquely supporting both aluminum and steel shipbuilding, along with lean production techniques to meet the Navy’s evolving fleet requirements and deliver ships on schedule.

by Seaman Apprentice Raven Fraser, May 4, 2026 

The Argentine and U.S. navies conducted a bilateral maritime engagement as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USNAVSOUTH)/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2026 deployment in the Atlantic Ocean, April 28-May 1. 

The engagement, focused on increasing interoperability between the two navies, included participation by Argentine Navy Almirante Brown-class destroyers ARA La Argentina (DD 11) and ARA Sarandi (D 13), Espora-class corvettes ARA Rosales (P 42) and ARA Robinson (P 45), Gowind-class offshore patrol vessels ARA Piedrabuena (P 52) and ARA Bartolome Cordero (P 54), U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). 

Aircraft involved also included an Argentine P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft and SH-3 Sea King and AS550 Fennec helicopters, and U.S. Navy MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17. 

“Training with allies like Argentina builds the trust required to operate together in complex environments,” said Rear Adm. Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11. “Working through realistic scenarios with our Armada de Argentina counterparts deepened our understanding of each other’s systems, sharpened our interoperability, and strengthened our ability to accomplish our many shared maritime objectives.” 

Training conducted included subject matter expert exchanges, communications drills, a live-fire gunnery exercise, maneuvering in formation and air defense exercises. 

Nimitz also hosted a visit of senior Argentine government and military leaders including President, Javier Milei; Minister of Defense, Gen. Carlos Alberto Presti; Foreign Minister, Pablo Quirno; and Chief of Defense, Vice Adm. Marcelo Alejandro Dalle Nogare. The delegation was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas. 

The visit was one of many planned opportunities for distinguished visitors to observe carrier operations aboard Nimitz during Southern Seas 2026. 

While onboard, the Argentine delegation met with Norman and Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. The leaders discussed the Southern Seas 2026 mission and the role of maritime cooperation in the alliance between Argentina and the U.S. 

Visitors also observed flight operations and an air power demonstration from Nimitz’ flight deck. 

The visit and bilateral training demonstrated the Southern Seas 2026 mission to strengthen existing regional partnerships, and encourage the establishment of new relationships, through the exchange of maritime mission-focused knowledge and expertise. 

Southern Seas 2026 marks the 11th iteration of the exercise, launched in 2007. Like the previous deployments, Southern Seas 2026 is designed to foster goodwill, strengthen maritime partnerships to counter threats, and build the U.S. Navy’s team alongside partner nation maritime services. 

During the deployment, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) is scheduled to conduct passing exercises and operations at sea with partner nation maritime forces as the ships circumnavigate the continent of South America. 

NIMCSG consists of Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 17, Destroyer Squadron 9, and Gridley. 

USNAVSOUTH/U.S. 4th Fleet is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces improving regional unity and security.

By Vicky Uhland, Seapower Correspondent 

Shipbuilding is highly affected by geopolitical volatility and there are five key adjustments that will define the new winners in this rapidly shifting environment, according to a new report from McKinsey & Company.  

The report, “Seizing the advantage in shipbuilding amid geopolitical shifts,” was released during Sea-Air-Space 2026.  

“It’s a desire to look beyond the everyday headlines of defense budgets and capacity restraints and look more globally at the shipbuilding sector,” McKinsey senior partner and report co-author Ryan Brukardt said during a discussion at Sea-Air-Space.  

Brukardt and McKinsey Senior Partner Brooke Weddle said there are four main geopolitical factors affecting shipbuilding in the western hemisphere:  

• Trade agreements and tariffs 

• State-directed industrial policies and incentives 

• Import, export and capital controls 

• Artificial intelligence and technology. 

While all of these can make it difficult for U.S. and European shipbuilders to compete with other countries, the report notes that they can outperform their industry peers with five best practices:  

• Rethinking portfolio strategy with future-proof platforms. This involves an unsentimental, analytical assessment of core products, big bets, products with limited market opportunities unless they’re linked to a specific program, and reevaluated products, the report says.  

Examples of core products include command and control systems or radar and sensor systems. Big bets might be communications systems or digital twins. Opportunistic go-to-market products could be training or self-defense systems. And products that might need to be reevaluated include navigation or propulsion-control systems.  

• Accelerating production to meet spiking demand. This includes developing more efficient processes and personnel management by using technological innovations like AI-enabled dynamic scheduling and digitized workflows. 

The McKinsey researchers found that using AI to handle scheduling inputs can increase throughput rates by at least 10 to 15 times, Weddle said.  

• De-risking supply chains. Starting with the COVID-19 pandemic and extending to the current tariffs, sanctions and regional conflicts, shipbuilders have been dealing with vulnerabilities in their supply chains. 

The report recommends two best practices to help address these vulnerabilities: continuous exposure assessment, including advanced illumination models that help companies identify common sub-supplier choke points and other risks; and mitigation planning such as finding alternative suppliers and considering insourcing capabilities. 

• Improving cost structures. The report identified three cost categories that are most affected by geopolitical disruption: materials, external labor and internal labor.  

Materials procurement strategies can include creating supplier risk profiles for each country, supplier and commodity. Managing external labor includes developing multi-region vendor pools and shifting toward more modular work packages with standardized scopes of work. Handling internal labor costs requires time, the report found, but can include developing digital work instructions and smoothing out workloads. 

• Building organizational capabilities. Many shipyards have trouble attracting and retaining young workers because of limited growth opportunities, low pay and difficult working conditions, the report found. And retirement looms — the report cited data that a third of U.S. aerospace and defense manufacturing employees are over age 55. 

“When you compare our shipyards to Korea, it’s not always a great place to be a young or older worker,” Weddle said. “We need to fundamentally rethink what we think about workforce in the shipbuilding environment.” 

The report recommends using holistic talent strategies like recruiting people with similar skills from non-shipbuilding sectors;  partnering with schools for job-shadowing initiatives; cutting the time it takes to achieve job proficiency though standardized onboarding boot camps and hands-on learning; rethinking performance measures to identify what roles high-performance employees are best suited for; and determining the underlying causes of attrition by encouraging employee feedback.    

“Capital is the constraint in certain places but really, at the end of the day, it’s management practices, appropriate use of technology, and ability to attract and retain talent that are most significant” for gaining competitive advantage in an increasingly geopolitical shipbuilding environment, Brukardt said.  

BINGEN, Washington, May 4, 2026 – Insitu, a Boeing Company, has been selected to provide ISR support services to the United States Navy (USN), United States Marine Corps (USMC) and other United States Government (USG) customers as directed, under a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) model. Insitu will compete with other selected partners for task orders with both ScanEagle and Integrator UAS, offering these customers unparalleled flexibility in capability, range, endurance, and operational profiles.  

“We have been providing ISR services to the USN since 2005 and the USMC since 2004 and are honored to be selected to bring our enhanced versions of ScanEagle and Integrator with updated autonomy and resilience capabilities to bear,” said Diane Rose, Insitu CEO. “The choice between two platforms offers our important USG customers the ultimate Mission flexibility. We’ve incorporated our 20+ years’ experience working with the Navy and Marines into the feature sets on our UAS to ensure they offer the most robust maritime operational capability for their unique ISR needs.”  

Both ScanEagle and Integrator platforms offer FLARES no-sacrifice VTOL and extended-range SATCOM capabilities, enabling light-footprint operations with truly persistent ISR missions lasting up to 27.5 hours (Integrator), and 18+ hours (ScanEagle). Integrator can travel up to 2,000 nm (point to point) or spend 13 hours on station at 500 nm performing ISR missions before returning to refuel. Insitu UAS have operated from over 45 ship classes and land sites on 6 continents.  

Insitu UAS are maintained and operated by a team of deeply experienced, award-winning field services representatives (FSRs) who have decades of experience deploying with the US Navy, US Coast Guard, and US Marine Corps, as well as customers from 35+ international militaries. Insitu’s FSR teams have been praised as seamlessly integrating into deployments and rising above and beyond the call to support the US warfighter.  

“Our FSR’s are proud to support the USG and look forward to continuing their deployments alongside our brave Sailors and Marines as they work tirelessly to keep America and her allies safe,” added Rose.  

From Chief Petty Officer Darren Moore, May 4, 2026 

GROTON, Conn. – The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775), under the command of Cmdr. Andrew S. McGovern, returned to Naval Submarine Base New London Friday, May 1, completing a six-month deployment to U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. 

Capt. Philip Castellano, commander of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12, under which Texas operates, welcomed them home and praised their efforts while deployed. 

“Texas and her crew did an outstanding job throughout their deployment,” Castellano said. “They continued the Navy submarine force’s tradition of excellence while performing their mission to perfection. Our submarine force is critical to deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas, and Texas’ efforts exemplified this to its core. Welcome home Texas and crew and thank you for a job well done” 

McGovern praised his crew and their devotion to the mission. 

“In a time of heightened tensions our team remained resilient, focused and ready,” McGovern said. “Our Sailors performed at the highest level for six months and I could not be prouder of everything we achieved while executing our mission.” 

McGovern also credited the crew’s family and friends for taking care of the homefront. 

“The support our loved ones provided while we were away was critical to our sustained success,” McGovern said. “Knowing they were home cheering for us inspired us to continue accomplishing our mission at peak form.” 

Texas steamed more than 21,200 nautical miles and made port calls to Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Thirty-four personnel earned their submarine warfare devices – commonly referred to as “dolphins”. Five Sailors welcomed new babies. 

Seaman Bronson McIntosh, a member of the Royal Australian Navy serving aboard Texas, and his spouse, Jessica McIntosh, were honored with the ceremonial first kiss on the pier. 

Chief Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) Derrick Altenberger was awarded the ceremonial first hug with his spouse, Kayla Altenberger. 

Texas was commissioned in 2006 as the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the Lone Star State. The first two were battleships, commissioned in 1895 and 1914, respectively. The third was a Virginia-class guided-missile cruiser in service from 1977 through 1993. The submarine is 377 feet long and has a 34-foot beam, as well as a crew of more than 130 Navy personnel. 

The Virginia-class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions. Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or response to regional crises.

Textron Systems Corp. announced today a contract award from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to produce and deliver multiple Tsunami uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), which will be used to support the U.S. Navy Fleet Experimentation (FLEX) exercise in Key West, Florida and provide three months of joint operations with U.S. Southern Command and the U.S. Navy 4th Fleet.

Under the contract, Textron Systems will provide long-dwell Tsunami interceptor USVs and Field Service Representatives to the FLEX exercise, demonstrating cooperative intelligence, surveillance reconnaissance and targeting with its Aerosonde 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing UAS from a littoral combat ship. The exercise will also demonstrate manned-unmanned surface warfare with Invariant Corporation’s Surface-to-Air Kinetic Engagement, or STAKE, system.

The Tsunami family of autonomous maritime surface vessels are designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy and its allies for a readily available, versatile portfolio of multi-mission uncrewed assets to team effectively across the fleet. Using Brunswick Corp.’s reliable, high-performance vessels, Textron Systems developed the Tsunami family of products with its trusted Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle autonomy control system, leveraging mature commercial technologies to deliver increased capacity and immediate scale.

“The Tsunami family of vehicles leverage Textron Systems’ decades of expertise in autonomous systems innovation, coupled with the speed and scalability of Brunswick Corporation’s established and globally sustainable production line of vessels,” said Ryan Schaffernocker, senior vice president of Air, Land and Sea Systems. “This award establishes a partnership foundation for Tsunami USV government-owned, contractor-operated and contractor-owned, contractor-operated services, allowing for rapid deployment with a lower cost of ownership for the Navy.”

Textron Systems is the originator of the CUSV, the mine countermeasure USV for the U.S. Navy Unmanned Influence Sweep System program of record. Most recently, Textron Systems introduced the Multi Mission USV, the fifth generation of its CUSV craft, designed to expand the Navy’s capacity for advanced mission capabilities. 

Northrop Grumman said it has delivered the 70th E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to the U.S. Navy, demonstrating steady production momentum and continued collaboration with the Navy and industry partners. 

• Northrop Grumman has produced a total of 82 E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes for the U.S. Navy and Japan Air Self-Defense Force to date. 
• The company continuously modernizes the E-2D to meet evolving mission requirements driven by lessons learned from today’s operations.
• The system is purpose-built for airborne early warning and battle management, capabilities that are deliberately enhanced to maintain air superiority now and decades to come.

Janice Zilch, vice president and program manager, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Northrop Grumman, said, “E-2D deliveries demonstrate our commitment to quality and performance with speed and scale, supporting those who operate and maintain this platform. We’re seeing the Advanced Hawkeye’s exceptional performance in today’s operational environments, and we’re actively planning its future advancements.”

From remote, austere locations to the most advanced airfields, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye provides exceptional airborne early warning and battle management capabilities that enhance joint and coalition operations and ensure air superiority. E-2D is a versatile airborne command node that connects joint and allied forces into a unified network. Equipped with an advanced 360-degree radar and powerful mission, data and communications systems, it delivers real-time data and communications to dominate across domains and missions.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon a $335 million contract modification to “exercise options and provide funding for the manufacturing, assembly, test, and delivery of Standard Missile-6 Tactical All-Up Rounds,” according to an April 30, 2026, Department of War contract announcement.

The SM-6, deployed on U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers and cruisers, has featured heavily in combat in actions in the Middle East since 2024 against Houthi and Iranian missiles. The Navy has received funding to replenish and increase stocks of missiles to maintain readiness. 

This contract modification, awarded April 24, is funded weapons procurement accounts for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

“Standard Missile-6 is a critical, combat-proven system that provides a vital layer of protection for ships and Sailors — a capability that has never been more critical than it is today,” said Phil Jasper, president of Raytheon. “Contracts of this nature are an essential step in sustaining production, and we remain focused on enhancing our operations to meet unprecedented demand. To support this growth, Raytheon has invested nearly $900 million over the last three years to expand capacity at key sites, including Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama. These investments paired with the clear demand signal will help ensure we deliver these critical munitions at the speed of the mission.”