Power Engineering & Manufacturing Ltd is proud to announce our partnership and continued support with Serco Inc. and DARPA on their new “uncrewed surface vessel” (USV) named “USX-1 Defiant”.  This vessel is specifically designed for extended operations at sea without any humans onboard.  The USV is a result of the agency’s No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, with its prototype construction completed in February 2025.

The 180-foot, 240-metric-ton lightship, developed by Serco Inc., will undergo extensive in-water testing, both dockside and at sea.  It is scheduled to depart for a multi-month at sea demonstration in spring 2025.  If successful, it may join the Navy’s fleet.

The NOMARS program seeks to redefine traditional naval architecture by creating a ship designed entirely without human considerations, which enhances size, cost-effectiveness, reliability, hydrodynamic efficiency, and survivability.

DARPA defines “USX-1 Defiant” as a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and versatile ship that will be able to successfully navigate missile-laden drone boats in the future.  The innovative modular design allows the medium-sized vessel to house angled missile launch systems and act as a transport.

We are enthusiastic about our future involvement with this project and proud to expand our portfolio with another product for the Department of Defense.

For more information about the USX-1 Defiant, check out this interview with Ryan Maatta, Marine Engineer Manager with Serco Inc. Serco, DARPA Launch NOMARS USX-1 Defiant