Pentagon's DIU Awards Autonomous Low Profile Vessel Prototypes to Resupply Dispersed US Marines

The US Defense Innovation Unit awarded three prototype agreements for Autonomous Low Profile Vessels to Saronic Technologies, Sea Machines Robotics and Rudder Industries on November 9, 2026. The project seeks autonomous, low-signature, semi-submersible craft able to deliver approximately 18,000 pounds of supplies to dispersed Marine Corps units across contested littoral waters. The vendors will develop and demonstrate competing approaches to navigating, resupplying and operating while limiting detectable emissions and crew exposure. DIU did not publish award values, prototype quantities or a production schedule, and the awards do not constitute a fleet procurement decision.