DARPA’s NOMARS USV Navigation System Enhanced by Argos 3D FLS

1 July 2025

(Image credit: Serco North America)

FarSounder has announced that, through Serco, Inc., its Argos 3D Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) is included in the navigation system on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) recently completed No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) demonstration vessel. The project is the development of Defiant—a first-of-its-kind unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed to operate autonomously for extended durations at sea without any onboard crew.

As part of this innovative program, FarSounder’s Argos FLS was integrated into the vessel’s navigation suite to enhance situational awareness and support the ship’s real-time obstacle avoidance capabilities. This integration reflects FarSounder’s increasing presence within the autonomous and unmanned sector, providing enhanced navigation for vessels conducting complex missions in challenging marine environments.

The Defiant, a 180-foot, 240-metric-ton vessel, completed construction in early 2025 and is now undergoing in-water and at-sea testing. Its successful deployment marks a significant milestone in autonomous naval operations.

“This program represents a major step forward in the evolution of unmanned maritime systems,” said Matthew Zimmerman, CEO and Co-Founder of FarSounder. “We’re honored to contribute our technology to an effort that pushes the boundaries of ship design and operational autonomy.”

FarSounder is proud to have its Argos system on this project as they continue to expand their footprint in the unmanned and autonomous vessel sector. With over two decades of expertise in real-time 3D navigation, its forward-looking sonar systems are increasingly being selected by defense, commercial, and research initiatives seeking advanced situational awareness below the waterline.