US Navy to invest nearly $12 billion in maritime uncrewed systems and naval munitions in FY2026
Long range anti-ship missile. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The US Navy (USN) will invest approximately US$12 billion in the development and acquisition of maritime uncrewed systems and naval munitions over the next fiscal year. Part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the funding aligns with the branch’s Navigation Plan 2024 and the service’s efforts to rapidly integrate robotic and autonomous capabilities into its inventory.
It encompasses $5.5 billion for unmanned programmes and another $5.7 billion to enhance the supply chain for naval interceptors, missiles, rockets and torpedoes. The resources reflect the increasing Navy’s demand for more investments in those domains.
“We need to act with urgency
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
-
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
-
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
-
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.