Drones and Unmanned Systems - Air, Sea, Land, Micro & Robot Systems

SALT LAKE CITY -- According to an August 17, 2026, press release from Red Cat, the company’s maritime division, Blue Ops, has partnered with collaborative autonomy provider Havoc to integrate Havoc's autonomy software and command-and-control capabilities into Blue Ops uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), starting with the Variant 7 platform. Built upon Blue Ops’ Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) strategy, this collaboration aims to rapidly incorporate advanced sensors, payloads, and communications systems.

To support live testing, operational evaluations, and training, the companies plan to establish joint operational fleets at Havoc’s headquarters in Rhode Island and Blue Ops’ headquarters in Florida. Beyond technical integration, the agreement creates a framework for joint market engagement and customer outreach, where both companies will cross-promote each other’s technology, introducing Havoc’s software and Blue Ops’ USVs to their respective defense and commercial client bases.

Source: Red Cat
Associated URL: https://ir.redcatholdings.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/240/blue-ops-a-red-cat-company-and-havoc-partner-to-develop-open-architecture-autonomous-maritime-defense-systems

WASHINGTON -- On August 16, 2026, American-based unmanned surface vessel (USV) manufacturer Saildrone announced a major expansion of its European operations, launching three distinct construction projects across the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland. The move follows the establishment of its EU headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, and comes as demand grows for autonomous maritime surveillance and defense systems in European waters. Under the new contracts, Van Der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands will build the first European 52-meter Saildrone Spectre. Meanwhile, Umoe Mandal in Norway will produce the next generation of the 20-meter Saildrone Surveyor, and Southern Spars in Poland will manufacture the rigid vertical masts that supply wind propulsion for the vessels.

This European manufacturing expansion reportedly aims to rapidly build, deploy, and service USVs directly within the region to support NATO and European allies facing maritime threats.

Source: Breaking Defense
Associated URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/saildrone-expands-european-footprint-with-production-plans-in-3-countries/

HONOLULU, HI. -- Saildrone announced on Aug. 20 that the company, along with partner, Lockheed Martin, successfully conducted two Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) launches from a Saildrone Surveyor USV during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 naval exercises. Two launches were completed successfully off the coast of Hawaii during the multinational drills, which ran from June 24 to July 31.

The launches were undertaken in coordination with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and the associated Carrier Strike Group 9.

The successful tests validate the use of a mainstream U.S. munition in conjunction with a scalable USV. Saildrone plans to integrate the Mk 70 launcher (a containerized variant of the U.S. Navy's Mk 41 launcher) onto its larger, 170-ft (52-m) Spectre USV. The U.S. Navy has explored missile-carrying USVs as an option to expand operational magazine capacity at sea. Further tests are planned in the future, ahead of the Spectre USV launch.

The launches reflect six months of joint collaboration efforts between Saildrone and Lockheed. The two companies signed a strategic partnership agreement in October 2025, with plans to integrate Lockheed munitions and systems aboard Saildrone platforms.

Source: Saildrone
Associated URL: https://www.saildrone.com/media-room/press-releases/us-navy-rimpac-lockheed-martin-jagm-shot