US Navy’s $15m MUSV Race Kicks Off as Birdon Delivers First Vessel
Birdon and C&C Marine begin construction of unmanned vessels at a pace of one every two months.
The U.S. Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) program has reached a key milestone as construction begins on the first vessels under the initiative. Australian marine engineering firm Birdon has launched production at C&C Marine’s shipyard in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, marking a shift from planning to execution.
Birdon serves as the prime contractor for the project, collaborating with Florida-based Mythos AI for autonomous navigation systems and C&C Marine for shipbuilding. The partnership builds on prior work under the Marine Corps’ Ancillary Surface Craft (ASC) program, where Birdon delivered a 150-foot prototype landing vessel in August. That effort demonstrated the consortium’s ability to meet deadlines and budget targets—qualities now central to the MUSV program.
The Navy selected seven companies in May to compete for the MUSV contract, including Sea Machines, Leidos, Saronic Technologies, Galliano Marine Services, PacMar Technologies, and Huntington Ingalls Industries. Each firm must prove its vessel’s capabilities through at-sea testing, with the program prioritizing industry-led solutions over government-funded prototypes.
C&C Marine, a shipyard with nearly 30 years of experience, was chosen for its track record of on-time, on-budget delivery. “Starting the build moves this effort from planning into execution,” said Birdon President Kevin Mooney. “It demonstrates our certainty of delivery, founded on in-place—not promised—capacity.” The shipyard’s president, Anthony Cibilich, echoed the confidence, noting the team’s success with the ASC program and its readiness to produce MUSVs at a pace of one vessel every two months.
Program Goals and Industry Implications: Birdon
The MUSV program replaces the Navy’s earlier Modular Attack Surface Craft initiative, shifting development risks to private contractors. The vessels must meet operational demands, including extended autonomous missions, though specific performance requirements remain undisclosed.
For Birdon and its partners, the project represents more than an initial contract. Success in the trials could secure future orders, positioning the consortium as a leader in unmanned maritime technology. The Navy, meanwhile, views the program as a step toward modernizing its fleet while reducing operational costs in contested environments.
With construction underway and testing ongoing, the MUSV program is advancing rapidly. Industry observers will watch closely as the first vessels take shape, signaling the future of naval warfare.
“Together, we will deliver mission-focused solutions for U.S. and allied military customers.”
Kevin Mooney, President of Birdon
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