In a strategic move to enhance its capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region, the US Navy has confirmed the acquisition of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) from Textron Systems. This transaction is part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership involving Australia, the UK, and the US, which aims to advance technological collaboration in defense.
The deal includes not only the advanced Tsunami drone craft but also engineering services and training support to facilitate its integration. The Tsunami will be transferred to the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, based in San Diego. This command plays a crucial role in researching and developing emerging technologies, particularly autonomous systems, applicable across various military operations.
Textron Systems’ Air, Land and Sea Systems Senior Vice President David Phillips highlighted that the Tsunami craft offers the Navy a fully autonomous and rapidly deployable solution to support a wide range of missions. The design of the Tsunami USV prioritizes flexibility and sustainability, ideal for the dynamic demands of modern warfare.
First unveiled in January 2025, the Tsunami is characterized as a low-cost, versatile platform. Its construction incorporates a commercial hull from Brunswick Corporation and is powered by Textron’s proprietary Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle autonomy suite, utilizing gasoline for its operational needs.
The vessel is engineered to perform under Sea State 4 conditions, effectively navigating waves between 4.1 to 8.2 feet (1.25 to 2.5 meters). It boasts an impressive operational range of over 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers/1,151 miles), making it suitable for long-distance missions without sacrificing performance.
With a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms), the Tsunami is available in multiple hull sizes—24, 25, and 28 feet (7.3, 7.6, and 8.5 meters)—allowing for adaptability based on mission requirements. This purchase marks a significant commitment to enhancing naval capabilities, reaffirming the US Navy’s focus on integrating advanced unmanned technologies into its fleet.
In May, Textron made headlines with its initial Tsunami USV sale to the US Navy, ultimately delivering a 24-foot variant to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia. As the partnership under AUKUS continues to take shape, developments like this signal a robust collaboration aimed at reinforcing national and regional security efforts in the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.
