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Seasats Granted $24 Million for Autonomous Surface Vessel Development

In an exciting development for maritime technology, Seasats, a leader in the field of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), has announced it will receive a significant investment of $24 million from the Department of War (DoW). The funding, allocated through the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program, represents a major step forward for Seasats in enhancing its production and deployment capabilities for these cutting-edge vessels.

The APFIT program stems from initiatives established in Fiscal Year 2022 by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(RE)). It aims to support small businesses and non-traditional defense partners capable of quickly transitioning their developed technologies into operational use. Seasats’ award is based on its successful collaboration and ongoing projects with both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, including a notable $89 million Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III contract.

Over the past year, Seasats has achieved remarkable milestones, including rapid prototyping activities and operational demonstrations both in domestic and allied waters. Highlighting their achievements, Seasats recently completed a record-setting transatlantic crossing with its Lightfish ASV, showcasing the vessel's endurance and technological capabilities.

In a statement, Mike Flanigan, the CEO of Seasats, expressed his enthusiasm: "This APFIT award is another exciting milestone in our mission to deliver high-value ocean autonomy at scale. The impact is hugely positive for Department of War end users who nominated us, for the company, and for taxpayers. This funding enables us to scale our production, which ultimately lowers long-term program costs. It also helps us to accelerate our efforts to deliver crucial capabilities to warfighters faster. It's a win-win."

Seasats has carved out a niche in the competitive maritime autonomy sector by consistently delivering successful outcomes for clients across the globe. The company's operations include U.S. Navy engagements with Task Force 59 in the Middle East, Task Force 66 in Europe, and participation in scientific research missions both off the Australian coast and within U.S. waters. Their focus on maritime security operations extends as far as Argentina, demonstrating the versatility of their technology.

Building upon their success, Seasats is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of the high-speed Quickfish interceptor and the Heavyfish, a robust heavy-lift platform set to launch this fall. Both vessels are backed by a proven technological foundation, strengthened by years of operational experience with the Lightfish ASV.

The news of Seasats' award and their ongoing commitment to developing advanced maritime technologies underscores a pivotal moment in defense innovation. As they prepare to scale their operations, the implications for maritime security and operational efficiency in both civilian and military contexts are promising. This funding marks a significant investment in the future of naval defense, ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of maritime technological advancements.

For more information about APFIT and to view the complete list of awardees for 2026, visit the official Department of War website.

About Seasats

Founded to pioneer long-endurance autonomous surface vessels, Seasats blends commercial manufacturing agility with defense-grade reliability. Their mission is to deliver unmanned systems that extend maritime operational reach while enhancing situational awareness and minimizing risks to personnel.