DIU Awards Three Prototype Contracts for Autonomous Low Profile Vessel Program

10 November 2026
Edited By: Haley McQueen

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has awarded three prototype contracts in support of the Autonomous Low Profile Vessel (ALPV) project, a critical effort supporting resupply efforts of Marine Corps units spread across wide distances in contested littoral environments.

DIU has selected Rudder Industries, Saronic Technologies, and Sea Machines Robotics to develop prototype Autonomous Low Profile Vessels. (Image credit: DIU)

The ultimate goal: Rapid prototyping and fielding at scale.

The United States Marine Corps has previously prototyped several ALPV variants, but we must move faster while reducing costs. The DIU ALPV project opens the aperture to best-in-class commercial autonomy solutions and vessel designs while delivering superior capability to Marine operators.

The commercial partners selected following a competitive solicitation earlier this year include Rudder Industries (a first-time DoD partner), Saronic Technologies, and Sea Machines Robotics.

Involved DoD counterparts at PAE Marine Corps include the Capabilities Development and Force Integration Directorate (CDFi), the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory/Futures Directorate, DRPM RAS, and the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Combatant Craft Division (CCD).