Lockheed Martin, Saildrone join forces on missile-armed USVs

January 14, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Saildrone and Lockheed Martin have partnered to integrate unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with combat-tested, mission-ready payloads.

As informed, the companies plan to equip the 20-meter Saildrone Surveyor with Lockheed Martin’s joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) launcher.

Surveyor is a high-endurance, extreme-range USV that provides persistent maritime ISR and deep-ocean mapping capabilities, designed to operate autonomously anywhere in the world. The vessel is equipped with sensors, radars, and communications equipment. According to Saildrone, it can detect, track, classify, and relay near-real-time intelligence into a common operating picture, accelerating operational decision-making.

Proof-of-concept integrations and a live-fire demonstration are scheduled for summer 2026. Additionally, larger Saildrone USVs are being developed to support a wider range of Lockheed Martin payloads, including the Mk 70 VLS launcher.

In addition to equipping Surveyor with the JAGM launcher and other payloads, Lockheed Martin’s $50 million investment in Saildrone will integrate command and control enhancements to enable Saildrone to conduct fleet defense, signals intelligence, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The firms aim to support the US Navy in realizing its vision for a manned–unmanned hybrid fleet.

Lockheed Martin backs Saildrone with $50M to boost USV’s defense capabilities

UUV/UAV

First deployed by the US Navy in 2021, Saildrone vehicles currently support US Navy and Coast Guard missions in the Middle East, Caribbean, Gulf of America, Atlantic, and Pacific.

The company has deployed in support of Operation Windward Stack and, more recently, Operation Southern Spear to strengthen the federal government’s efforts to secure the US southern border.

Saildrone USVs contributed directly to this mission by detecting, tracking, and relaying precise coordinates of boats smuggling illicit contraband, it was highlighted.