Technology · 8 August 2026

Pentagon wants unmanned boats that launch drones at sea

The US military is running a year-long competition to find autonomous boats able to launch small attack drones during operations. It's offering about $100 million in prize money, with another $200 million for procurement contracts. The boats need to operate without constant human oversight and detect targets while patrolling.

By BriefTea Editorial · 8 August 2026 at 21:22

Reported by techradar.com · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

What are drone boats? What is 'autonomous'? Who funds military tech? Why use a competition?

More briefs

PoliticsBurnham to end indefinite jail terms by parliament's end BusinessEngland's free bus pass age will rise to 67 by April 2028 EntertainmentAnne Hathaway joins Tom Cruise in Days of Thunder sequel out 2028 WorldArizona desert deaths of 19 migrants last month hit a two-year record GeneralCatholic Church forced adoptions continued into the 1980s SportsCollege football player MicahJo Barnett dies after sideline emergency Browse all stories →