Historic $3.1 Billion Boost for Unmanned Naval Vessels in Landmark U.S. Defense Bill

In a major step toward modernizing the U.S. military, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) has earmarked a record-breaking $3.1 billion for the production of unmanned naval vessels as part of a historic $150 billion reconciliation bill. This bill, which passed with a 35-21 vote, is now headed to the House Budget Committee and contributes to the proposed $1.012 trillion defense budget for the 2026 financial year.

This is the first time that the HASC’s reconciliation process has been used to directly channel funding into the U.S. Department of Defense. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s recently unveiled FY2026 Discretionary Budget Request, prioritizing cutting-edge technologies and unmanned systems to strengthen America’s naval and maritime operations.

Massive Investment in Unmanned Naval Systems

Out of the $150 billion package, $1.8 billion has been set aside for the production of Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) — a class of autonomous ships designed for extended operations without a crew. The U.S. Navy has shown increasing interest in these vessels as they look for commercially inspired, cost-effective, and mission-adaptable platforms capable of conducting surveillance, electronic warfare, mine countermeasures, and logistics support in contested waters.

An example of this technology includes L3 Harris’s MUSV, which is expected to feature modular payloads for:

• Electronic warfare

• Sonar and radar systems

• Mine detection

• Cyber warfare equipment

• Secure communications

• Night vision and surveillance tools

These unmanned surface ships will be critical for future maritime security operations, capable of reducing risks to human crews while enhancing surveillance and strike capabilities.

Unmanned Undersea Vessels Get $1.55 Billion Boost

In addition to surface vessels, the bill allocates $1.55 billion for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs). This includes production for advanced systems like:

• Boeing’s Orca XLUUV (Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle) — a long-range, autonomous submarine designed for intelligence gathering, mine laying, and anti-submarine warfare.

• Anduril’s Dive-XL and Copperhead UUVs — agile and modular undersea drones built for operations in shallow and deep-sea environments, carrying sensors, sonar, and electronic warfare modules.

These next-generation undersea drones are set to bolster the U.S. Navy’s ability to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions in hostile waters without endangering human lives.

Replicator Program Accelerates Unmanned Tech Development

The Department of Defense has been rapidly expanding its unmanned systems programs through initiatives like Replicator 1, launched in 2023. This program aims to deliver thousands of autonomous systems, including drones and unmanned vessels, to the armed forces by August 2025.

Its follow-up, Replicator 2, focuses on counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) to defend against enemy drones, highlighting the growing importance of autonomous technologies in future warfare.

Shipbuilding Remains Top Priority

While unmanned systems gained significant funding, traditional shipbuilding for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps still received the largest portion of the reconciliation bill — nearly 25% of the total $150 billion. This funding will go toward building:

• Arleigh Burke-class destroyers

• Virginia-class submarines

• America-class amphibious assault ships

• San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks

These vessels, paired with unmanned assets, will form a modern, technologically advanced fleet capable of deterring threats and securing American interests worldwide.

A New Era in Naval Warfare

HASC Chairman Roger Wicker hailed the bill as a “generational upgrade” for American defense, emphasizing its role in deterring future conflicts through strength and technological superiority. The combination of unmanned and manned naval systems marks a pivotal shift in military strategy, making the U.S. Navy more agile, resilient, and lethal in increasingly contested maritime environments.

As the bill progresses to the House Budget Committee, it represents not just a funding decision — but the foundation for the future of American naval power.