Lockheed Martin is investing $50 million in Saildrone to equip its surveillance drones with missiles, marking the first time these autonomous ships will carry high-powered missiles.
This plan follows the Pentagon’s efforts to counter China’s naval power and lessons from Ukraine’s use of sea drones against Russia. Saildrone’s 72-foot “Surveyor” ship will be modified to carry Lockheed’s missile systems, including anti-ship missiles.
The investment includes forming teams to design larger Saildrone platforms capable of carrying Tomahawk missiles. Live-fire demonstrations are set for 2026. Saildrone vessels have been used by the U. S. Navy since 2021 for surveillance missions.
The investment also aims to create jobs at Austal USA while maintaining Saildrone’s shipbuilding role. Many companies are competing for funding in maritime robotics.
With information from Reuters