The ships must support a 25 tonne payload with a 2,500 nautical mile range at 25 knots. To facilitate production, Saronic is establishing Port Alpha, a shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, backed by more than $3 billion in private investment and forecast to create 10,000 jobs. Vice President JD Vance and Governor Greg Abbott attended the groundbreaking for the Texas facility, which was established after reported difficulties with officials in California. For the Navy's current order, builders include Halimar Shipyard in Morgan City and Breaux Brothers in Loureauville.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Story
US Navy Shifts to Serial Drone Ship Production with $1.2B Order
Business20 days ago
The U.S. Navy has awarded production contracts for 10 medium unmanned surface vessels each to Saronic, HII, and Galliano Marine Services as part of a $1.2 billion procurement program. This shift from prototype testing to serial procurement focuses on vessels averaging $40 million each, with the first deliveries scheduled for the end of fiscal 2027. The Navy has also launched Phase II of the initiative to expand its industrial base, easing requirements to allow vessels up to 90 meters in length that can sustain 10 days of unmanned operation.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.