Saildrone Surveyor

A long-endurance uncrewed surface vessel used for ocean data and tested as a missile-launch platform.

Overview

Surveyor is a 20-meter uncrewed surface vessel built by US company Saildrone for deep-ocean mapping and persistent maritime surveillance. Saildrone's 2024 production announcement describes a wind-assisted platform with a diesel generator and mission sensors. The US Navy has contracted Surveyor ocean-mapping work, while a separate weapons integration effort tested whether the hull can carry a launcher.

During the 2026 Rim of the Pacific exercise, Saildrone and Lockheed Martin reported two launches of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile from a Surveyor using the US Navy's ARES remote engagement system. Lockheed Martin's account describes a surrogate surface target and an accompanying electronic-warfare sensor test. This was an exercise demonstration, not a reported combat engagement or evidence that armed Surveyors are routinely fielded.

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