U.S. Navy Awards $1.2B for 30 MUSVs to Louisiana Shipyards

The U.S. Navy selected Galliano Marine Services, Saronic, and Huntington Ingalls Industries to build 30 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) for $1.2 billion. Deliveries by 2027 aim to expand Indo-Pacific autonomous capabilities.

By The Shipping Chronicle · AI-assisted reporting and explanations

The U.S. Navy has awarded a $1.2 billion contract to acquire 30 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs). The production is split among three Louisiana-based shipbuilders: Galliano Marine Services, Saronic, and Huntington Ingalls Industries. Each company will construct ten vessels at a cost of $40 million per hull. According to sources, the initial deliveries are scheduled to begin before the end of 2027.

## Contract Award Details

This procurement falls under the Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel Family of Systems program. The selection process replaced the Modular Attack Surface Craft initiative and utilized a newly announced "drone marketplace" established in March to streamline unmanned system acquisitions. Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao stated that the award signals the service’s priority to rapidly modernize the fleet with advanced autonomous systems to counter emerging threats.

## Shipbuilder Breakdown

The contract consolidates industrial activity within Louisiana’s maritime sector. By dividing the workload equally, the Navy ensures standardized production across ten units per builder. This approach supports logistical efficiency and simplifies maintenance protocols for the new autonomous fleet as it integrates with existing naval operations.

## Technical Specifications & Trials

The MUSVs are designed to travel 2,500 nautical miles at speeds of 25 knots while carrying up to 25 tons of payload on deck. Phase I trials evaluated these specifications alongside operational endurance. Tests confirmed the vessels' ability to scan for threats, operate without direct human intervention, and remain deployed for extended periods. These capabilities allow manned ships to offload persistent surveillance tasks.

## Geopolitical Context: Indo-Pacific Strategy

The push for autonomous assets follows a June Government Accountability Office report highlighting the need for rapid upgrades in multiple theaters. The Indo-Pacific region remains a primary focus due to China’s expanding maritime dominance. Beijing’s development of motherships capable of launching underwater drones has raised concerns among regional allies, including the Philippines. The MUSV program aims to enhance U.S. influence and responsiveness in this strategic zone.

## Legal Challenges from Unsuccessful Bidders

Competition for the program was broad. Companies such as Birdon, PacMar Technologies, and Sea Machines participated in Phase I trials but were not selected for construction. Nevertheless, they received $15 million for their testing contributions and will be featured on the Defense Department’s drone marketplace to pursue future contracts. However, the exclusion has sparked legal action. Some unsuccessful bidders have sued the Navy, alleging unfair treatment in the bidding process. Naval officials indicated they would accept any court decision regarding these claims.