AeroVironment is supplying Mission Specialist Defender remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to the US Coast Guard, enhancing underwater inspections and maritime response as part of the service’s Force Design 2028 modernization plan.
The $4.8-million contract, executed through AeroVironment’s subsidiary VideoRay, focuses on deploying ROVs capable of pier inspections, hull assessments, subsurface infrastructure surveys, disaster response, and search-and-rescue missions in challenging environments.
By reducing the need for divers, the systems increase safety, operational efficiency, and fleet readiness.
Built with a modular, open-architecture design, the Mission Specialist Defender allows rapid integration of sensors, manipulators, and other payloads. Field-swappable modules further ensure minimal downtime, keeping operations flexible and responsive to evolving mission requirements.
The award represents the largest single contract within the coast guard’s $11-million fiscal 2025 effort for rapid autonomous fleet upgrades.
Force Design 2028
Force Design 2028 is the US Coast Guard’s roadmap for modernizing its fleet, operations, and capabilities to meet evolving maritime threats and challenges.
At its core, the initiative emphasizes the integration of robotics and autonomous systems to expand domain awareness, reduce operational risk, and enhance mission effectiveness.
The plan includes upgrading existing platforms, incorporating unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, and investing in technology-driven solutions that improve situational awareness, response times, and operational reach.
