US Navy Tests Solar-Powered Lightfish Drone in Seychelles During Exercise Cutlass Express 2026
The US Navy's Task Force 66 launched the Lightfish unmanned surface vessel (USV) from a Seychelles Coast Guard ship during Exercise Cutlass Express 26. The solar-powered drone is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. This joint exercise aims to enhance maritime domain awareness and interoperability with Seychelles Navy, while showcasing the Navy's advancements in unmanned systems amid increasing competition with China.
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The US Navy's Task Force 66 has initiated testing of the Lightfish unmanned surface vessel (USV), a solar-powered drone, during Exercise Cutlass Express 26. The launch occurred from a Seychelles Coast Guard ship in early February 2026.
The exercise focused on testing the drone's capabilities in open ocean conditions while fostering joint operations with the Seychelles Navy. The Lightfish, which conducts ISR and electronic warfare missions, enhances the Navy's operational reach without reliance on support.
Task Force 66, headquartered in Naples, Italy, is dedicated to advancing unmanned systems to boost the Navy's capabilities in Europe and Africa. This initiative is part of the US Navy's strategy to maintain maritime security and counter increasing drone technology investments by adversaries like China.
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