Saildrone mission highlights growing role of uncrewed systems in maritime security A Saildrone Voyager unmanned surface vehicle (USV) helped the U.S. Navy track a suspected drug-smuggling vessel that was later intercepted in the Caribbean, leading to the seizure of approximately $81 million worth of cocaine. The operation demonstrates how autonomous maritime systems are moving … [Read more...] about How Autonomous Surface Vessels Helped the U.S. Navy Seize $81 Million in Cocaine
USV
Elistair and Exail Bring Tethered Drone Maritime Surveillance to Autonomous Vessels
Elistair's Khronos DroneBox integrates with Exail's DriX unmanned surface vessel to give operators a shore-controlled, persistent view from the deck up. Elistair and Exail have partnered to integrate the Khronos automated tethered DroneBox on Exail's DriX unmanned surface vessel, delivering tethered drone maritime surveillance from an autonomous platform. The … [Read more...] about Elistair and Exail Bring Tethered Drone Maritime Surveillance to Autonomous Vessels
Buffalo’s Natrion Rolls Out NDAA-Compliant Drone Battery Cells
The Buffalo-based battery materials company debuts NDAA-compliant pouch cells with up to 80% more energy density than standard Li-ion. Natrion has launched defense-optimized battery cells for uncrewed systems including drones, surface and underwater vessels, ground vehicles, and humanoids. The Buffalo, New York-based company announced the new product lines on May 14, 2026. The … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s Natrion Rolls Out NDAA-Compliant Drone Battery Cells
Saildrone Deploys 16 Voyager USVs for Coast Guard Great Lakes Mission
The Bay Area autonomous maritime company brings persistent surveillance to the Great Lakes and Northeast under a $15.5 million Coast Guard contract. Saildrone is deploying 16 Voyager unmanned surface vehicles in support of US Coast Guard missions across the Great Lakes and the Northeast. The Alameda, California-based company announced the deployment on May 11, 2026. The deal … [Read more...] about Saildrone Deploys 16 Voyager USVs for Coast Guard Great Lakes Mission
Woolpert and Saildrone Deploy Autonomous USV for NOAA Seafloor Mapping Near Mariana Islands
Woolpert and Saildrone have partnered to collect and process bathymetric survey data for NOAA's Ocean Exploration and Office of Coast Survey. The mission supports safe navigation and ocean mapping initiatives, including the National Strategy for Mapping, Exploring, and Characterizing the United States Exclusive Economic Zone and the Seabed 2030 initiative. The … [Read more...] about Woolpert and Saildrone Deploy Autonomous USV for NOAA Seafloor Mapping Near Mariana Islands
