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.

At BALTOPS 25, BlackSea Technologies fielded more than ten Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARCs) and embedded a team of experts to support logistics, planning, and real-time operations. Working alongside Commander, Task Force 66 and NATO partners, the GARC fleet maintained full mission-capable status and demonstrated its endurance, with several units covering more than 120 nautical miles in a single day. As a trusted partner in naval innovation, BlackSea continues delivering low-cost, software-driven surface autonomy at scale.

During a recent visit to Naval Base Point Loma, Fleet Master Chief Don Davis met with Sailors from Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 for a firsthand look at the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC). The visit underscored the Navy’s continued investment in autonomous surface platforms and the Sailors who operate them.