The Pentagon studies expanding its autonomous surveillance-boat fleet by up to 50 vessels.

Reuters reported that U.S. defense officials are considering increasing a test group of 10 autonomous boats by as many as 50. The 11-foot, 340-pound Lightfish vessels cost roughly $240,000 each and can operate for months while carrying electro-optical, infrared and sonar sensors.

Officials are studying deployments in the Gulf of Mexico during fiscal 2027 before possible Pacific testing near San Diego. The reported expansion remains under evaluation rather than a finalized procurement.