US Navy May Legally Require Uncrewed Designs for Modular Surface Attack Craft Program

The US Navy is likely to be mandated by law to only consider uncrewed designs for its Modular Surface Attack Craft (MASC) program for its first batch of vessels. The MASC program aims to acquire larger uncrewed surface ships adaptable for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.

A provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 restricts contracts until the Secretary of the Navy certifies that these vessels will be designed to operate without human support systems. This initiative reflects a shift from optional crewed models to fully autonomous designs, which offer cost and production advantages.

The Navy has already collaborated with DARPA on uncrewed vessel capabilities and is exploring various designs from companies like Huntington Ingalls Industries and Anduril, which are developing modular vessels that align with MASC requirements. The evolving landscape of uncrewed vessels is seen as critical to addressing the widening gap in naval capabilities between the US and China.