The U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is actively seeking technological solutions to address threats posed by small boats attempting to breach American waters. In a recent solicitation, the DIU expressed the urgency to develop methods capable of stopping these vessels without endangering federal authorities, passengers on the non-compliant boats, or innocent civilians nearby.
The agency highlighted the challenges posed by agile watercraft that often operate in densely populated areas and under the cover of darkness. They specified that effective interdiction strategies must minimize risk to everyone involved, including the operators of the suspect vessels, bystanders, and law enforcement personnel.
Proposals will be evaluated based on their technical merit, with a focus on meeting primary requirements while also considering secondary attributes. This initiative comes amid heightened scrutiny following allegations from UN rights experts regarding the extrajudicial killings of at least 14 individuals aboard boats suspected of drug trafficking from Venezuela.
The DIU has underscored the necessity for solutions that can effectively disable rogue small boats without resorting to lethal means. They are particularly interested in non-kinetic approaches, which may include technologies like electromagnetic pulses or innovative electronic attack tools designed to neutralize high-speed vessels in transit.
Additionally, the agency specified that any proposed systems should be deployable from Coast Guard vessels ranging from 25 to 45 feet long, functioning as standalone tools that require minimal integration with existing infrastructure. To ensure prompt implementation, the technology must be sufficiently advanced to undergo testing within 60 days of receiving a contract, with trial runs conducted at government-designated sites.
This solicitation is part of a broader U.S. effort to enhance security along its extensive maritime borders, which span more than 95,000 miles and include heavily trafficked sea lanes. The DIU noted the growing challenges posed by adversaries, including transnational criminal organizations and state actors, that exploit small watercraft to smuggle illegal cargo and individuals across U.S. waters.
