Transforming Maritime Operations: Our Autonomous Systems in Action
We design, develop, and deploy USVs and UUVs, integrate AI, and deliver full-spectrum operational, lifecycle, and security services to drive security, efficiency, and mission readiness across markets.
The Environment/Challenge
Maritime operations are undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a convergence of global security threats, technological innovation, regulatory change, and market demand for efficiency and sustainability.
Nations today face rising asymmetric threats, increasingly contested waters, and an urgent need for persistent surveillance and rapid response. These challenges demand new approaches to maritime security and operational readiness. Advances in artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, and edge computing are enabling real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance, and autonomous navigation—capabilities that are essential for staying ahead of evolving threats and operational demands.
At the same time, mounting pressure to reduce emissions and improve efficiency is driving investment in autonomous, electric, and hybrid vessels. These innovations not only support sustainability goals but also help organizations address labor shortages and reduce crew-related expenses. Automation further enables 24/7 operations and optimized asset utilization, ensuring that fleets are more agile, cost-effective, and resilient.
Together, these factors underscore why autonomous maritime systems are no longer optional—they are a strategic necessity for enhancing security, efficiency, and readiness in today’s rapidly changing maritime environment.
Meet a first-of-its-kind unmanned ship
At Serco, we aren't just building a revolutionary vessel: we're delivering the future of maritime operations. Serco's Autonomous Vessel, the USX-1 Defiant, stands as America's most advanced and first-of-its-kind vessel of this size; designed with no provision for people. The 180', 240-metric-ton lightship is classified as a medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) and is undergoing an extended at-sea demonstration of reliability and endurance for DARPA.
Backed by Serco's legacy of Naval innovation and operational support, Serco's Autonomous Vessel is redefining the boundaries of reliability, mission flexibility, and total lifecycle value. Serco's Autonomous Vessel is designed to work as a scalable, autonomous fleet, giving you an unprecedented advantage for any mission, defense or commercial. A single vessel is a tool—a fleet is a total operational capability.
By the numbers
Serco's Autonomous Vessel is an unmanned surface vessel designed to operated for up to one year at sea without human intervention
Sea State 7: Can survive in 30-ft waves
Sea State 5: Can operate in 13-ft waves
Source: DARPA | Elizabeth Orsini, Jahyra Catala
How We Help (Our Solution)
Rapid Design & Prototyping:
We specialize in designing, developing, and quickly launching unmanned systems. Our rapid prototyping and technology insertion help clients stay ahead of emerging threats and operational needs. We support leading agencies—including NSWC PCD, NAVOCEANO, NIWC PAC, NUWC Newport, JEB Little Creek, and Naval Special Warfare Program Office PMS 340—and have contributed to innovative projects like DARPA NOMARS. Our expertise also extends to autonomous installation support vessels, drone inspection systems, and security solutions for offshore wind farms.
AI-Driven Autonomy:
By integrating advanced AI and machine learning, we empower autonomous platforms with real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance, and optimized logistics. Our team of data scientists and solutions architects leverages best-in-class technologies, ensuring smarter, more resilient fleets that can anticipate and respond to evolving challenges.
End-to-End Operations Support:
We provide comprehensive lifecycle support for unmanned surface, underwater, aerial, and ground systems. We offer rapid procurement of components and payloads, field support with OEM-certified operators (e.g., Drix Exail USV, Ocean Aero AUSV, Hydroid REMUS UUV, Aevex Mako Lite USV, SeaSatellites Lightfish), Serco-owned and contracted support vessels, and USCG-licensed crews for maritime testing. Our logistics expertise ensures efficient deployment, maintenance, and scaling of autonomous systems—enabling cost-effective, 24/7 operations and optimized asset utilization.
Secure Software & Interoperability:
We develop secure cloud services and control systems that connect autonomous platforms with surface, shore, and undersea operations. Our software solutions promote interoperability, reduce development and maintenance costs, and enhance cybersecurity—helping clients meet evolving regulatory standards.
Systems Integration & Testing:
With dedicated facilities like the Serco Integration Space (SIF), featuring over 14,000 SF of HVAC-controlled high bay space, we provide robust integration and testing for sensors, payloads, and subsystems. This ensures reliability and readiness for both defense and commercial missions, even in the most demanding environments.
Drone-Based Inspection & Maintenance:
Our deployed ship drone inspection and Rapid Autonomous Corrosion Evaluation Service (RACES) enable fast, economical scans of ships for battle damage, collisions, and ongoing maintenance. Air and underwater drones deliver comprehensive situational awareness, supporting proactive maintenance and improved fleet readiness as well as advancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
Underwater Security Services:
Our contractor-owned/contractor-operated (COCO) counter-UUV services use advanced technology to detect, track, disable, and recover intruder UUVs in restricted waters. These solutions protect submarine bases, undersea pipelines, offshore wind farms, and other strategic assets, addressing the growing prevalence of autonomous threats in both military and commercial domains.
Our comprehensive suite of autonomous maritime solutions—including design, AI integration, operations, software, testing, inspection, and security—directly addresses the urgent challenges facing today’s maritime environment. By enabling rapid adaptation, smarter operations, and robust security, we empower clients to strengthen security, boost efficiency, and ensure mission readiness across defense and commercial markets. Autonomous maritime systems have moved from experimental to essential, as rising security threats, technological breakthroughs, regulatory changes, and market demands for efficiency and sustainability converge.
Follow Serco's Autonomous Vessel
Spooking sailors at sea: US Navy's first 'Ghost Ship' undergoes first trials at sea
Halloween is upon us, and DARPA's USX-1 Defiant embodies the spirit of the season as it glides through the water like a ghost ship, with not a soul on board. Defiant is the first naval surface vessel ever built to operate without room or provision for human crew.
Defiant sets sail
Sep 4, 2025
The USX-1 Defiant has set sail, beginning her extended at-sea demonstration of endurance and reliability. She completed pre-departure testing in the waters near Port Angeles, Washington, before sailing up the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The ship reached the Pacific Ocean early this morning.
USX-1 Defiant Christened, Marking Serco’s Breakthrough into Autonomous Maritime Operations
Aug 12, 2025
Serco announced the christening of the USX-1 Defiant, the groundbreaking demonstrator vessel for DARPA’s No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program. The ceremony took place on Monday, August 11, at Everett Ship Repair in Everett, Washington, signaling a pivotal moment in Serco’s future of naval architecture and autonomous operations.
Defiant is in the water
Mar 3, 2025
Serco announced that construction is complete of the USX-1 Defiant, the demonstrator vessel for the NOMARS program. The 180-foot-long, 240-metric-ton lightship is in the waters of Puget Sound, Wash., where it will undergo in-water testing of all its component systems and integration.
Serco’s NOMARS team is reshaping the future of unmanned maritime operations
Sep 20, 2022
Serco Inc. has successfully completed the preliminary design phase of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office’s No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, and is pleased to announce it was selected to move to DARPA NOMARS Phase 2, which encompasses detailed design, construction, and testing of the vessel.
Serco’s NOMARS Team Makes Way Ahead
Sep 23, 2021
Serco announced today that its Voyager team has successfully completed Phase 1A Concept Design of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office (TTO) No Manning Required, Ship (NOMARS) X-Ship program and has been down selected for Phase 1B Preliminary Design.
Serco Awarded Position on $982 Million U.S. Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel Support Contract Vehicle
Feb 20, 2020
Serco Inc. has been awarded one of 40 positions on the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract (IDIQ-MAC) to support the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Surface Vehicle Family of Systems.
