In a strategic move to enhance maritime defense capabilities, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched the second phase of its unmanned surface vessel (USV) competition, known as Suitable Warfighting Adaptive Payloads (SWAP)-USV. This phase aims to identify and field “mature” USVs within 120 days, with a total prize pool of up to $40 million available for successful submissions. The initiative responds to the U.S. Navy’s need for cost-effective solutions to counter low-cost, low-signature threats, such as explosive USVs and small unmanned aerial systems.
The DIU’s solicitation highlights a critical gap in the current naval force structure, stating that existing capabilities lack the persistent, distributed nature required to effectively search for, track, and neutralize emerging threats economically. The focus of Sprint 2 is on developing USVs equipped with advanced hard-kill counter-air effectors and resilient sensor suites capable of detecting and defeating airborne threats in contested maritime environments.
Technical Requirements and Objectives
For this phase, the DIU specifies that participating USVs must possess a minimum operational range of 200 nautical miles and maintain a sustained speed of at least 10 knots. The solicitation emphasizes the need for a combination of proven USV platforms, mature hard-kill effectors, and interoperable command-and-control architectures. This integration aims to provide a scalable and persistent capability that can shift the cost-exchange ratio favorably in maritime engagements.
Moreover, the proposed counter-air effectors must be capable of engaging Groups 1–3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and rotary-wing aircraft, with a strong preference for systems that can also target larger Groups 4 and 5 UAS. This requirement underscores the DIU’s commitment to enhancing the Navy’s ability to address a wide spectrum of aerial threats.
Competition Timeline and Future Phases
Submissions for Sprint 2 are due by November 30, with in-water testing anticipated to commence in early 2027. The first phase of the competition, Sprint 1, began in July, with testing expected to take place this fall. Following Sprint 2, a third phase is planned to start in the spring of 2027, offering an additional $20 million in prize money for that stage.
The DIU, in collaboration with the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems and the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems, has allocated $200 million for prototype or follow-on production contracts post-competition. This funding reflects the government’s commitment to advancing unmanned maritime capabilities and ensuring that the U.S. Navy can effectively counter evolving threats.
As the competition progresses, the integration of advanced technologies into USVs will be crucial for enhancing maritime security and operational effectiveness. The outcomes of this initiative could significantly reshape the Navy’s approach to unmanned systems and their role in modern naval warfare.
For further details, refer to the original report on Breaking Defense.
