U.S. contract sends revolutionary naval drones to Japan

The United States Air Force has awarded Liquid Robotics Inc., based in Herndon, Virginia, a $25 million contract to supply 20 unmanned surface vehicles under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program supporting Japan, according to a contract announcement released by the U.S. Department of War.

The award covers work related to control software, mission payloads, and peripheral launch and recovery equipment associated with the unmanned platforms. Contract performance will take place in Herndon, Virginia, with completion scheduled for Feb. 16, 2028. The Air Force Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, serves as the contracting activity under contract number FA2823-26-C-0006.

The contract was issued as a sole-source acquisition and funded using fiscal year 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds alongside fiscal year 2026 FMS funds, totaling $25 million obligated at the time of award.

While the exact vehicle type was not specified in the announcement, Japan previously expressed interest during the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercise in Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider unmanned surface vehicle, a platform designed for long-endurance maritime operations without conventional fuel requirements.

The Wave Glider is a hybrid wave- and solar-powered unmanned surface vehicle composed of two connected components. The surface element, known as the “float,” resembles a large surfboard traveling on the ocean surface. Suspended beneath it by an umbilical tether measuring approximately 13 to 26 feet (4 to 8 meters) is the submerged module, or “sub,” which carries a wing rack used for propulsion.

The system generates forward motion by exploiting the difference between wave movement at the surface and calmer water below. As waves move the float, the underwater wings convert vertical motion into thrust, allowing the vehicle to travel continuously without fuel. A rudder provides steering, while an auxiliary thruster supports maneuvering during difficult ocean conditions such as weak winds or strong currents.

Because the platform does not rely on fuel, it can remain at sea for extended periods, enabling persistent maritime surveillance and data collection missions. Payload integration allows operators to install sensors tailored for ocean monitoring, communications relay, or security-related tasks.

According to the contract notice, the awarded work includes integration of control software and mission payload systems, suggesting customization aligned with Japanese operational requirements. Peripheral launch and recovery equipment included in the contract indicates preparation for routine deployment and sustainment operations rather than limited testing activity.

Japan has expanded investment in unmanned maritime systems in recent years as part of broader efforts to monitor surrounding sea lanes and maintain maritime awareness across large operational areas. Long-endurance unmanned surface vehicles are increasingly used to collect environmental and operational data while reducing the need for crewed patrol assets.

Liquid Robotics, a company specializing in autonomous ocean platforms, has previously supplied Wave Glider systems for scientific, commercial, and defense applications, including persistent sensing missions in remote maritime environments. The platform’s endurance and low logistical footprint have made it suitable for operations where continuous presence is required without resupply.

The contract represents a defense cooperation effort conducted through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework, under which U.S.-managed procurement supports allied capability development using American defense technologies and program oversight.