DARPA launches Serco’s USX-1 Defiant

Image courtesy Serco

The ceremony took place at Everett Ship Repair in Everett, Washington, signalling a pivotal moment in Serco’s future of naval architecture and autonomous operations.

The USX-1 Defiant represents a radical departure from traditional ship design, conceived from the keel up with no provision or expectation for human crew. This ‘clean-sheet’ approach aims to deliver unprecedented advantages in size, cost, at-sea reliability, hydrodynamic efficiency and survivability, ultimately enabling a new class of highly capable and cost-effective unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

Following its launch, the USX-1 Defiant will begin a multimonth at-sea demonstration of its reliability and endurance. The programme aims to validate the core NOMARS concept, paving the way for significant advancements in unmanned naval capabilities.

Anthony Kirby, Serco Group Chief Executive, said: “Defiant marks a first in naval ship design and ushers in an exciting new stage for the NOMARS programme and the US Navy. We are incredibly proud to have played our part in developing genuinely groundbreaking new capabilities for the Navy in vessel autonomy and at-sea refuelling.

“This watershed is the first time a ship has been designed entirely without human crew members in mind, a significant step towards the US Navy’s ambition of a fleet of USVs capable of operating in contested waters and other dangerous environments without putting the lives of human sailors at risk.

“With increasing geopolitical tensions driving defence spending across the globe, Serco stands ready to support navies and militaries as they expand their capabilities while safeguarding the security of citizens.”

Defence is a large and growing part of Serco’s portfolio, accounting for over 80% of its order intake in the first half of 2025. This continues Serco’s momentum in the defence sector, with successes this year including:

• Three contracts with a combined value of over £1 billion to provide Maritime Services to the Royal Navy
• A 10-year contract worth up to £1.5 billion if all options are exercised, to run the Armed Forces Recruitment Service for all UK military personnel
• A $96 million contract to provide technical services to modernise the US Navy’s guided missile frigates and ship systems
• A $247 million contract to support soldier readiness and performance within the US Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness System