US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts. (Photo: BlackSea Technologies)
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
The US Navy has been expanding the operation worldwide of the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) small, unmanned surface vehicle (sUSV). The approach aligns with the Navigation Plan 2024 (Project 33) and its determination to accelerate the integration of robotic and autonomous systems into the branch’s inventory up until 2027.
Currently in full-rate production with the service, the platform will be deployed this year in operations and military exercises in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia, according to BlackSea Technologies, the platform’s supplier.
Speaking to Shephard, BlackSea chief strategy officer Jason Lamb explained that GARC would also be used by the US
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
![How Canada plans to use the River-class programme to revitalise its defence industry]()
How Canada plans to use the River-class programme to revitalise its defence industry
The Canadian DND estimates that the construction of destroyers will annually inject C$720 million (US$515 million) into the country’s GDP.
-
![The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come]()
The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come
Designed as a multi-role frigate with both anti-submarine and air defence capabilities, Naval Group’s medium-sized FDI frigate increasingly stands out as a success story in an industry wrought with delays.
-
![US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits]()
US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits
A Pentagon push to procure warships from Japanese and South Korean shipyards could reshape allied naval industrial strategy, but critics warn the approach risks hollowing out the domestic base Washington is seeking to restore.
-
![Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA]()
Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA
The accelerated delivery of the final Flight IIA destroyer, USS Patrick Gallagher, showcases the payoff of years of workforce investment and process reform at Bath Iron Works, with the lessons feeding into Flight III production.
