Navy green lights seven MUSV marketplace submissions to advance to prototype phase - Breaking Defense

Saildrone's new Spectre MUSV comes in two variants: The Spectre Silent Endurance and the Spectre Stealth Strike. (Saildrone)

WASHINGTON — The Navy has selected seven submissions in the medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) marketplace to move forward into the prototype evaluation phase, according to the service.

The MUSV marketplace launched in March, and more than two dozen designs were submitted, Navy spokesman Capt. Ron Flanders said.

Flanders did not provide a list of companies whose designs were selected to advance, but said that an announcement was expected within the next few days. At least one firm, Saildrone, revealed at the Sea Air Space Exposition that they submitted a proposal before the first iteration of the marketplace closed in April.

“Selected industry partners must successfully complete at-sea demonstrations to prove the maturity of their systems,” Flanders said in a statement to Breaking Defense today. “After successful at-sea demonstrations prior to October 2026, the Navy plans to work with Industry to have vessels available for Navy leasing or procurement in fiscal year 2027.”