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Navy Names 7 Companies for MUSV Prototype Testing

June 1, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Seven companies selected for MUSV prototype testing.
At-sea testing to start next month and conclude in October.
Successful companies to receive $15 million and qualify for production.
MUSV designs must meet specific performance requirements.

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Strategic Implications

The selection of these seven companies may indicate the Navy's focus on accelerating the development of autonomous surface vessels. The use of a new acquisition model suggests a shift towards more agile and flexible procurement processes, which could benefit smaller defense firms and startups. The MUSV program may also signal a broader trend towards increased investment in unmanned systems, which could have significant implications for the future of naval warfare.

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What Happened

Defense Firms Advance to At-Sea Evaluation Phase for Unmanned Surface Vessels

The US Navy has announced the seven defense firms that will participate in the prototype testing phase for the medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) marketplace. The companies, including Leidos, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Sea Machines, will complete at-sea testing starting next month, with the goal of demonstrating their designs’ ability to meet specific performance requirements. The successful companies will receive $15 million and qualify for follow-on production. The MUSV program is part of a new acquisition model designed to replace the Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) program and provide a blueprint for obtaining other autonomous systems. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.

Source

Companies Mentioned