In a move set to redefine maritime defense, Lockheed Martin has invested $50 million in Saildrone to integrate the JAGM Quad Launcher onto the company’s Surveyor unmanned surface vehicle (USV). The collaboration, expected to conclude by early 2026 at Austal USA, will feature the first live demonstration of an armed Saildrone platform, expanding its mission profile into the offensive domain.
At 20 meters long and 15 tons in weight, the Saildrone Surveyor stands as the largest autonomous surface vessel in the world. Equipped with radar, cameras, and AI-powered navigation, it offers unmatched situational awareness and endurance across global waters. The new integration transforms the platform from a data-gathering and surveillance tool into a multi-role autonomous combat asset capable of supporting US Navy operations.
The program will also mark the first maritime test launch of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), a precision-strike system derived from the Hellfire missile family. The JAGM Quad Launcher, recently tested by Lockheed Martin, enables deployment from air, land, and sea platforms, reinforcing the Navy’s push toward modular, networked defense systems.
Since its first launch in 2013, Saildrone has pioneered the use of renewable-powered autonomous vehicles, setting global records for endurance and mission diversity. Its partnership history with the US Coast Guard and Task Force 59 has demonstrated the platform’s potential in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. With this new upgrade, Saildrone aims to bolster maritime deterrence and offer a sustainable, lethal, and autonomous solution for future naval warfare.
