Metron Starts Fabrication of Lancet XL-AUV for DIU CAMP Program

15 July 2026

(Image Credit: Metron)

Metron has begun fabrication of the Lancet™ uncrewed undersea vehicle, the XL-class autonomous system it is delivering for the Defense Innovation Unit's Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform (CAMP) program. Metalwork is underway across the vehicle, with fabrication started on the nose, tail, and midsection.

CAMP addresses a clear operational need: autonomous undersea systems capable of deploying large payloads across extended ranges in contested environments. The program calls for a vehicle that can transit 1,400 nautical miles, operate autonomously at depths beyond 200 meters, and work through open interfaces with government and third-party control software. The CAMP demonstration is scheduled for March 2027.

Metron leads the CAMP team as prime contractor. Lancet combines Metron’s mission-proven ANCC autonomy software, Cellula Robotics’ hydrogen fuel cell-powered Guardian UUV, modular payload capacity, and open interfaces built to integrate with Navy systems. Integer Technologies contributes vehicle health monitoring, and General Dynamics Applied Physical Sciences contributes payload delivery.

“Starting fabrication is where a program becomes real,” said Van Gurley, President and CEO of Metron. “The design work is behind us and we are bending metal. Lancet pairs proven technologies from a strong team, and we are on track to demonstrate the integrated system for CAMP in 2027.”

Fabrication milestones: