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Defense Innovation Unit

Organization. The items that name it, and who it appears alongside.

↓ (4 items)
Items
4
that name it
Named alongside
5
other entities
First seen
W33 ‘26
Latest
W45 ‘26

Named alongside

By shared items
  1. 01Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous SystemsOrganization/1
  2. 02Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned SystemsOrganization/1
  3. 03Huntington Ingalls IndustriesOrganization/1
  4. 04Shield AIOrganization/1
  5. 05United States Marine CorpsOrganization/1

Items

Most relevant first · titles open the original ↗
01Breaking Defense2026-10-19

DIU unveils next phase in unmanned vessel competition (opens in a new tab)

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has initiated the second phase of its SWAP-USV prize challenge, offering up to $40 million for mature unmanned surface vessels (USVs) deployable within 120 days. This phase targets USVs equipped with hard-kill counter-air systems and resilient sensors to detect and neutralize airborne threats like Groups 1–3 UAS and rotary-wing aircraft, with a minimum range of 200 nautical miles and a speed of 10 knots. Submissions are due by November 30, with in-water testing set for early 2027, while the final phase (Sprint 3) will conclude by summer 2027. The competition, backed by $200 million for potential contracts, aims to address cost-effective, persistent defense against low-signature threats.

02The Defense Post2026-08-14

HII’s Autonomous Interceptor Boat Prototypes for US Marines Pass Final DIU Trials (opens in a new tab)

HII’s autonomous interceptor boat prototypes completed final trials for the U.S. Marines under the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The tests validated the boats' ability to perform missions without crew onboard. The prototypes are designed to enhance maritime security and operational flexibility. Results confirm their readiness for potential deployment.

03note2026-11-06

$400 Million for the X-BAT Unmanned Fighter Before It Flies: Shield AI's Track Record (opens in a new tab)

Shield AI has secured $400 million in funding for its AI-piloted X-BAT unmanned fighter, which takes off and lands vertically without a runway. The first full-scale prototype was completed in November 2026, with flight tests scheduled by year-end, though the aircraft has not yet flown. The U.S. Navy and Shield AI are funding development in stages, targeting initial operational capability by 2029. The company’s smaller V-BAT drone is already in use by the U.S. Coast Guard, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Ukraine, supporting its credibility.

04데일리방산2026-10-20

Unmanned surface vessel to be deployed within 120 days as US DIU invests 40 million (opens in a new tab)

The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is investing $40 million to deploy an unmanned surface vessel within 120 days. The project aims for rapid operational deployment of the autonomous naval system. No specific capabilities or mission details were provided in the announcement. The initiative reflects the DIU’s focus on accelerating military technology integration.

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