Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV)

The United States Navy's various unmanned surface vessel (USV) programs are strategically unified under a single, cohesive portfolio. This portfolio encompasses the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) program as well as a suite of critical prototypes, which include the Sea Hunter, Seahawk, Ranger, Mariner, Vanguard, and the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS). By consolidating these diverse platforms, the Navy ensures that all resources and developmental efforts are aligned, creating a focused initiative to advance the capabilities of the Future Surface Combatant Force (FSCF). This integrated structure provides a clear line of sight from initial experimentation to fleet-level application. These programs collectively serve as a crucial hedge force for the Chief of Naval Operations' (CNO) overarching strategy, most notably the Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept. The portfolio provides affordable, high-endurance, and reconfigurable ships that can rapidly and affordably expand the capacity and capability of the manned surface fleet. MUSVs and the associated prototypes augment the Navy's combat power by creating a distributed network of sensors and platforms capable of weeks-long deployments and trans-oceanic transits. They can operate aggregated with Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) and Surface Action Groups (SAGs) or perform missions independently, providing the Navy with flexible and resilient options to maintain maritime dominance. The portfolio's primary mission is centered on integrating, experimenting with, and maturing technology to reduce risk for future naval endeavors. This effort is focused on seamlessly integrating robust and proven commercial vessel specifications with existing military payloads and command and control systems, leveraging years of investment from DARPA, the Office of Naval Research, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The prototypes, operated by the Navy's Surface Development Squadron out of San Diego, are in a constant state of experimentation, providing a means to demonstrate and mature a payload's ability to operate autonomously.