USX-1 Defiant

Last updated

History
Flag of the United States.svgUnited States
Builder
Christened11 August 2025 [1]
General characteristics
Displacement240 metric tons
Length180 feet (55 m)
Speed20 kts
Complement0

The USX-1 Defiant is a unmanned warship built as a demonstration project by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and completed in February 2025 [2] [3] and began sea trials in following month. It was first seen in public in March 2025 near the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island. [4] The ship has an LOA (length overall) of 180 feet with a 240 metric ton displacement. [5] Defence Shipbuilder Serco oversaw the project. [6]

USX-1 Defiant shortly after launching USX-1 Defiant in Puget Sound, Washington.png
USX-1 Defiant shortly after launching

During sea trials at Port Hueneme, California, the NOMARS validated apabilities of the Defiant, including successful demonstration of automated at-sea fueling. The USX-1 Defiant also tested high-speed turns and speed tests at up to 20 knots. Defiant also achieved automated dockings, undockings and harbor entry and exit. [7]

References

  1. "NOMARS | Media Gallery | DARPA". www.darpa.mil. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  2. "No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS)". www.darpa.mil. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  3. Aaron-Matthew Lariosa. Serco, DARPA Launch NOMARS USX-1 Defiant. Naval News, 04/03/2025.
  4. Joseph Trevithick (4 March 2025). "Mysterious Naval Vessel Spotted In Washington State Is A New DARPA Drone Ship". The War Zone. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  5. "Construction of first NOMARS prototype complete, sea trials to begin this spring | InsideDefense.com". insidedefense.com. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  6. Lariosa, Aaron-Matthew (4 March 2025). "Serco, DARPA Launch NOMARS USX-1 Defiant". Naval News. Retrieved 16 September 2025.
  7. DARPA NOMARS At-sea Demo Sept. 17, 2025.