Next-gen mUSVs on the horizon as HavocAI and Lockheed Martin forge strategic partnership

July 14, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

US tech startup HavocAI has entered into a strategic collaboration with Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation, to accelerate the development and scaling of medium unmanned surface vehicles (mUSVs).

The companies aim to transform the future of maritime warfare by combining HavocAI’s autonomy stack with Lockheed Martin’s extensive defense expertise and advanced weapons integration capabilities.

The partnership comes as the U.S. Department of Defense increasingly recognizes autonomous maritime platforms as critical to maintaining naval superiority and addressing emerging threats in contested waters.

The federal commitment is substantial, with recent legislation calling for historic levels of funding for medium unmanned surface vehicle manufacturing, unmanned undersea vehicle development, and maritime robotic autonomous systems and enabling technologies.

“The future of maritime warfare is autonomous, and the mUSV is at the forefront of this revolution,” said Paul Lwin, Founder and CEO at HavocAI.

“By collaborating with Lockheed Martin, we can integrate advanced weapons systems and deliver complete solutions that meet the evolving needs of our warfighters. This collaboration is a significant step forward for HavocAI and demonstrates our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.”

“Maintaining superiority in maritime defense is fundamental to ensuring deterrence in contested waters. Autonomous capabilities make investment now more important than ever, to help the United States and its allies remain on the cutting-edge of defense technology at sea,” said Chris Moran, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Ventures.

“The mUSV is a game-changer for maritime defense, offering enhanced range, payload capacity, and mission versatility. By combining HavocAI’s innovative autonomy stack with our ability to integrate the best of American technology and deliver at scale, we can give warfighters a decisive edge in future conflicts.”