The Navy’s Task Force 66 is testing whether fleets of robotic boats can match the missions of a traditional destroyer at a fraction of the cost. Rear Adm. Michael Mattis calls it the “deconstructed DDG”—using 20 uncrewed systems to perform the same tasks as a destroyer, backed by real-world data from NATO and Army exercises in Europe.

Along the same Baltimore waterfront that once launched Liberty ships during World War II, a new generation of vessels is taking shape. BlackSea Technologies is building Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARCs) at scale, small unmanned surface vessels capable of operating independently or under remote control anywhere in the world. From quality assurance testing on the Patapsco River to supporting Navy operations abroad, GARCs are designed to take on the dull, dirty, and dangerous missions that free sailors for higher level tasks. With production now reaching 32 units per month, BlackSea Technologies is proving that America’s industrial base can still move fast and deliver what the mission demands.

Two years after launch, the Pentagon’s Replicator initiative has delivered hundreds of autonomous drones to U.S. forces and placed thousands more on contract. By accelerating uncrewed systems across air, land, and sea, the program is reshaping how the military fields technology and setting the stage for the Navy’s largest-ever fleet of autonomous vessels.

BlackSea Technologies has named Mike Kushin to its Board of Directors. Kushin, a veteran executive with more than three decades in defense and intelligence, brings expertise in cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and space solutions. He has a proven track record of building programs of national consequence.

The Sea-based Petroleum Distribution System (SPDS) completed a full-scale demonstration at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, proving its ability to deliver bulk fuel from sea to shore without traditional infrastructure. Developed with BlackSea Technologies and partner organizations, the system offers a more survivable and flexible alternative to legacy fuel delivery methods.

BlackSea Technologies’ Tim O’Connor sat down with National Defense to discuss how the GARC, our low cost high impact uncrewed surface vessel, is already transforming the Navy’s autonomous fleet. With hundreds fielded and next generation upgrades underway, GARC is shaping the future of maritime operations.

Twenty-five midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy and NROTC units joined USVRON One this summer for training cruises on unmanned systems, including hands-on experience with the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft. Through BlackSea’s partnership with the Naval Academy’s Robotics Department, future officers are learning on operational systems already deployed with the Fleet.

At the Pentagon’s Multi-Domain Autonomous Solutions event, the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) stood out among 18 advanced drone prototypes showcased to senior defense leaders. Designed for independent or swarm deployment, the small unmanned surface vessel represents the kind of rapid, scalable capability the Department of Defense is prioritizing as it accelerates production and procurement of affordable autonomous systems across all domains.

On July 16, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering Emil Michael toured multi-domain autonomous systems at the Pentagon. BlackSea Technologies’ GARC was among the platforms showcased, representing the next generation of scalable maritime autonomy.

BlackSea Technologies’ GARC platform played a central role in this year’s BALTOPS 25 maritime exercise, supporting NATO partners and U.S. Navy CTF 66 across logistics, training, and mission execution. More than ten GARCs deployed for the event, demonstrating the operational impact of low-cost, software-defined uncrewed systems. As the Navy scales its adoption of autonomous platforms, BlackSea is delivering high-rate production at one GARC a day, mission-ready and built to win.