The U.S. Navy successfully tested a sail-powered drone in live-fire exercises in the Pacific: the Saildrone Surveyor SD-3001 Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), which was co-developed with Lockheed Martin to carry lethal combat technology. During the recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercises, the Saildrone launched two combat-proven Joint-Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) in coordination with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Carrier Strike Group. The Saildrone’s use in passive electronic warfare (EW) tasks was also verified during the exercises.
At RIMPAC, the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Carrier Strike Group had access to the Saildrone as a combat asset for the first time. Under the control of ARES, the sea drone successfully launched two lethal JAGM missiles. These missiles feature two independent guidance modes: a semi-active laser and millimeter-wave radar. Combining both, the JAGM can be effective in all weather, including low-visibility maritime environments.
