Medium Uncrewed Surface Vessel for the UK Ministry of Defence

DCTO is looking to procure a multi-role Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) testbed, for the purpose of technology demonstration which can be delivered by the end of FY26/27. The vessel is expected to operate in three primary configurations:

• Standalone uncrewed operations from a shore-based Remote Operating Centre (ROC)

• Integrated operations alongside a mothership (e.g. embarked or supported by a host platform)

• Distributed multi-platform operations alongside other USVs

Typical mission profiles will include:

• Long-range transits to operating areas

• Persistent loiter operations with active payload use

• Technology trials involving sensor, autonomy and payload integration