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Metal Shark’s New HSMUSV Naval Drone Features Modular Design and Affordable Precision Strike Capability.
American shipbuilder Metal Shark has unveiled its latest unmanned surface vessel, the HSMUSV, at the Sea-Air-Space 2025 exposition held from April 7 to 9 in National Harbor, Maryland. This 21-foot surface drone, derived from the proven Relentless-class platform, represents a further step in the evolution of autonomous maritime capabilities by offering a modular, economically viable, and rapidly deployable solution. Designed to meet the growing needs of the US Navy and allied forces, the HSMUSV was presented in a context marked by the rise of asymmetric maritime threats and the pursuit of technological superiority in surface warfare and maritime intelligence operations.
The HSMUSV is suited for various missions such as coastal reconnaissance, contested zone surveillance, convoy escort, or loitering munition deployment. (Picture source: Metal Shark )
One of the main advantages of the HSMUSV lies in its ability to combine speed, endurance, and modularity at a cost significantly lower than existing systems. With production capabilities of up to one unit per day and a unit cost below $500,000 depending on configuration, it offers a scalable industrial response aligned with the objective of expanding autonomous fleets. In a strategic environment where naval forces face dispersed commitments, crisis zones, and limited manned assets, the HSMUSV can deliver tactical effects while minimizing personnel exposure.
Unlike many existing USVs based on retrofitted civilian hulls, the HSMUSV was designed from the outset as a fully unmanned platform. It is equipped with Metal Shark’s native SharkTech software suite, enabling human-in-the-loop operation via intuitive interfaces and secure real-time data transmission through line-of-sight radio and Starlink satellite links. This vertically integrated solution of hardware and software ensures interoperability with other autonomy and AI packages while simplifying deployment and field operations.
The HSMUSV is suited for various missions such as coastal reconnaissance, contested zone surveillance, convoy escort, or loitering munition deployment. The system showcased at Sea-Air-Space is equipped with the Switchblade 300 from AeroVironment, a precision-guided loitering munition capable of high-speed engagement with minimal collateral damage. This configuration enables targeted action in densely populated or high-risk maritime environments, such as intercepting fast attack craft, detecting improvised explosive devices at sea, or countering hostile drones.
From a technical perspective, the HSMUSV delivers notable performance with a cruising speed of 25 knots, a top speed near 40 knots, a range exceeding 500 nautical miles, and the ability to remain on station for approximately ten days at reduced speed. This combination of range and endurance allows it to sustain long-term operations in areas where manned platforms may face constraints.
When compared with other unmanned naval systems such as DARPA’s Sea Hunter or autonomous platforms like the Protector and DriX, the HSMUSV stands out through its compact size, rapid production capacity, and reduced cost. While the Sea Hunter is designed for extended oceanic missions, particularly in anti-submarine warfare, the HSMUSV is more oriented toward mass deployment of light autonomous assets capable of swarm operations or one-time tactical engagements. In the face of evolving maritime challenges, including the use of low-cost maritime drones by actors such as Iran, China, or non-state groups, the US Navy requires responsive and cost-effective systems that do not rely on large manned assets.
The strategic relevance of such platforms is amplified by growing technological competition between naval powers. As China accelerates the development of its own unmanned surface systems and as the conflict in Ukraine continues to highlight the disruptive impact of naval drones in offensive operations, the United States is seeking to maintain its technological edge through scalable and adaptable programs. The HSMUSV is aligned with this approach, offering flexibility and rapid deployment while adhering to established security and command integration standards.
Metal Shark’s broader commitment to a full USV portfolio—from micro-unmanned systems to 115-foot vessels—reflects an effort to equip armed forces with a range of tools tailored to diverse operational needs. With its flexible architecture, mission payload adaptability, and compatibility with most autonomy protocols, the HSMUSV is positioned as a capable solution to meet evolving naval warfare challenges.
The HSMUSV’s presentation at Sea-Air-Space 2025 marks a notable development in the transformation of surface fleets by addressing current demands for autonomous projection, surveillance, and strike capabilities. In an environment increasingly shaped by drone proliferation and diverse threat vectors, such an agile, responsive, and interoperable system could become a key asset in the future of maritime operations.