In a strategic move to enhance military logistics and operations, Regent Craft and Fairlead have announced a collaboration to provide Seaglider solutions to the US Navy and Marine Corps. This initiative aims to improve contested logistics and naval resupply capabilities for various branches of the military, including the Army and Special Operations forces.
The partnership promises to deliver “scalable mil-spec solutions” designed to bolster sea-based logistics, cargo transport, and intelligence operations. This innovative approach is anticipated to address the growing demands for efficient and resilient military logistics in contested environments.
Regent Craft, based in Rhode Island, specializes in Seagliders that utilize hydrofoiling wing-in-ground-effect technology. This cutting-edge design allows vessels to operate just above the water’s surface, enabling higher speeds, extended range, and reduced radar and acoustic signatures. Their defense lineup comprises models such as the Viceroy and the Squire, which are engineered for a range of tactical missions.
Fairlead, a Virginia-based maritime manufacturing and systems integration firm, will play a crucial role in scaling up production and integrating systems, as well as transitioning prototypes into fully operational platforms. The Seagliders are poised to fulfill various critical functions, including troop and supply transport, medical evacuation, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and the deployment of uncrewed systems across the Indo-Pacific region.
This technological advancement is particularly significant as it addresses operational gaps in high-speed, low-cost, low-signature, and runway-independent mobility, aligning with the military’s need for agile and effective logistical solutions.
Through this collaboration, Regent and Fairlead aim to support the US shipbuilding workforce and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of creating jobs and maintaining control over key defense technologies within the United States. Regent CEO Billy Thalheimer articulated the ambition behind the partnership, stating that it is focused on “speed, scale, and resilience” as they look toward the future of American shipbuilding.
Fairlead President Fred Pasquine echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Seagliders as a “prime example” of transformative technology that could revolutionize US maritime defense operations. He reaffirmed Fairlead’s commitment to supporting innovations that enhance the readiness and resilience of the US Navy and Department of War.
This collaboration builds on a solid foundation, as Regent has previously secured at least $10 million in contracts with the US Marine Corps, marking an established relationship that indicates trust and shared objectives in the realm of defense technology.
