The U.S. Navy is making a significant push toward uncrewed naval warfare, with three key programs—Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle (LUSV), Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV), and the Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), also known as Orca—set to transform the maritime battlespace.
These autonomous platforms are designed to operate in high-risk environments or undertake extended missions where crewed ships would be too vulnerable or costly to deploy. By integrating these systems into its fleet, the Navy aims to reduce dependence on traditional destroyers, cruisers, and nuclear-powered submarines while expanding its capabilities in strike, surveillance, electronic warfare, and mine-laying missions.
The LUSV is envisioned as a surface vessel between 60 and 90 meters in length, with a displacement ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 tons—comparable to a corvette. These vessels are expected to feature vertical launch systems (VLS) with 16 to 32 missile cells, allowing them to carry out anti-ship and land-attack strikes, alleviating pressure on traditional destroyers and cruisers. Designed for long-endurance operations, LUSVs could function autonomously or in coordination with carrier strike groups. While the ultimate goal is full autonomy, initial deployments may include a small crew for testing purposes.
The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) defense budget allocates $54 million to the LUSV program, with full-scale production set to begin in 2027. The first unit is estimated to cost nearly $500 million, with additional units scheduled for delivery in 2028 and beyond. Despite its potential, concerns persist regarding the LUSV’s cost, complexity, and integration into existing fleet structures.
Smaller than the LUSV, the MUSV will be under 60 meters in length and displace less than 500 tons. These vessels are primarily designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in contested environments. Additionally, MUSVs will engage in electronic warfare operations, potentially disrupting enemy communications and radar networks.
L3Harris was awarded a prototype contract for the MUSV, though full-scale procurement is not expected until at least 2029. To accelerate deployment, the Navy has invited industry proposals for converting up to seven existing platforms into MUSVs. The FY2025 budget designates $101.8 million for this program, with an additional $92.9 million earmarked for shared technologies applicable to both LUSV and MUSV.
The Orca program represents the Navy’s push into large undersea drones capable of independent operations. At approximately 26 meters in length, Orca XLUUVs will be launched from ports rather than submarines and will focus on deploying Hammerhead mines—advanced seabed-based anti-submarine torpedoes. This capability draws inspiration from Cold War-era CAPTOR mines, which proved effective in countering enemy submarines.
The Navy initially ordered five Orca prototypes from Boeing in 2019 and has since acquired a sixth unit for testing. However, the program has encountered technical hurdles, particularly in the areas of autonomous navigation and battery reliability. Originally expected in 2022, the first operational Orca unit is now delayed until early 2025. The FY2025 budget supports the procurement of one Orca per year between 2026 and 2029, with unit costs gradually rising to $120 million.
These developments come as the U.S. faces mounting strategic competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. China’s rapid naval expansion and growing anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities present a serious challenge to U.S. maritime dominance. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) report released on March 25, 2025, underscores the role of uncrewed systems in mitigating these threats. By dispersing combat power across a larger number of autonomous platforms, the Navy aims to enhance resilience, increase operational flexibility, and complicate enemy targeting.
Despite the promise of these programs, the CRS report highlights multiple challenges. Concepts of operations (CONOPS) for integrating uncrewed vessels into existing naval structures remain incomplete. Autonomy software is still in development, and different contractors use disparate architectures, complicating interoperability. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are another major concern, as adversaries could attempt to disrupt or hijack these systems.
Cost overruns have also plagued these programs. The Orca XLUUV program has already exceeded initial cost estimates by 64 percent. Similarly, the LUSV faces skepticism from naval officers who question its affordability and feasibility. Some argue that its complexity undermines the original goal of deploying numerous, low-cost platforms.
The U.S. Navy’s investment in uncrewed systems marks a doctrinal shift toward distributed, autonomous operations designed to counter emerging threats. Whether deployed on the surface or beneath the ocean, these platforms are intended to extend operational reach, support covert missions, and reduce risks to personnel in contested environments. However, their success depends on overcoming technical hurdles, securing sustained congressional support, and ensuring the defense industry can deliver reliable and cost-effective systems.
As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, the Navy’s ability to integrate these next-generation platforms will play a crucial role in maintaining maritime superiority. The coming years will determine whether this ambitious transition toward autonomy proves to be a strategic game-changer or a costly experiment in naval warfare evolution.
