Open Architecture Platform for Underwater Vehicles for Rapid Adaptation, Collaborative Sensing, Navigation, and Autonomy

Department of War · Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency · SBIR Topic · 26.BZ

posted 5 August 2026 · closed 23 September 2026

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Summary

The Department of War's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks proposals to develop a modular, open‑architecture autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platform that supports rapid payload adaptation, fleet scalability, collaborative sensing, and resilient autonomous navigation. The effort emphasizes advanced autonomy, AI‑driven mission planning, and multi‑vehicle coordination, aiming to create a commercially viable system for defense and civilian undersea applications.

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