Lockheed Martin, a leading global security and aerospace company, and HavocAI, an innovator in maritime autonomy, have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicles (mUSVs). This partnership, as detailed by a recent publication from HavocAI, marks a significant step towards revolutionizing maritime defense capabilities.
The collaboration will leverage HavocAI’s advanced autonomy software and uncrewed surface vessel technology with Lockheed Martin’s extensive defense expertise and capabilities in integrating advanced weapons systems. According to Paul Lwin, CEO of HavocAI, the future of maritime warfare is autonomous, and mUSVs are at the forefront of this transformation. He also mentioned that working with Lockheed Martin will enable the integration of sophisticated weapon systems, providing comprehensive solutions to meet the evolving needs of naval forces.
This joint effort comes amidst increasing recognition by the U.S. Department of Defense of the critical role autonomous maritime platforms play in maintaining naval superiority and addressing emerging threats. As a result, there has been a substantial federal commitment, with recent legislation allocating significant funding towards the manufacturing of mUSVs, the development of unmanned undersea vehicles, and other maritime robotic autonomous systems.
HavocAI has already established itself in the field, having delivered fully operational products to the U.S. Department of Defense and demonstrated scalable collaborative autonomy for the Navy and Army. The company has produced over 50 of its 14-foot autonomous boats, with more than two dozen already acquired for operational deployment by the Department of Defense. HavocAI recently completed successful sea trials of its 42-foot vessel and plans to introduce a 100-foot mUSV by the end of 2025, further expanding its innovation and scalability.
Chris Moran, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Ventures, emphasized the importance of maintaining superiority in maritime defense for deterrence in contested waters. He stated that autonomous capabilities necessitate current investment to ensure the United States and its allies remain at the forefront of defense technology at sea. Moran added that combining HavocAI’s innovative autonomy with Lockheed Martin’s ability to integrate American technology and deliver at scale will provide warfighters with a decisive advantage in future conflicts.
