26. February 2026
Lockheed Martin Unveils Revolutionary New Era In Maritime Autonomy With Fastest-Ever Drone Development
Lockheed Martin’s Rapid Development of Lamprey Drone Marks New Era in Unmanned Maritime Capabilities
The U.S. defense contractor, Lockheed Martin, has made significant strides in the development of its new autonomous undersea vehicle, dubbed Lamprey. The company took an impressive 14 months to bring this multi-mission system to life, with plans to field larger variants and another drone by the end of the year.
Over the last two decades, Lockheed Martin has invested internally funded resources into research and development, ultimately yielding this innovative solution. One of the key features that sets Lamprey apart from other unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) is its ability to latch onto submarines, warships, and the seabed. This unique capability allows the drone to autonomously navigate to a target location without relying on external power sources, thereby extending its operational range.
Lamprey’s propulsion system relies on the use of suction cups, which enable it to attach itself to a vessel or the seabed. Once secured, the drone can deploy hydrogenerators to recharge its batteries, thus conserving energy and allowing for extended missions. The implications of this technology are far-reaching and significant. For instance, Lamprey’s ability to hitch a ride onto a submarine or warship enables it to access areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
This capability is particularly valuable in covert surveillance and sea denial operations, where the ability to operate undetected is paramount. Lamprey concept graphics depict its capabilities being used for area denial and surveillance missions, including strikes on fast attack craft and warships with the drone’s small torpedoes and loitering munitions. The drone’s 24 cubic foot payload cavity provides ample space for deploying various effectors, such as sensors or torpedoes.
The system’s development has been influenced by the U.S. Navy’s need for covert, assured access and sea denial operations. Lockheed Martin has successfully addressed this requirement by creating a versatile system that can adapt to various mission requirements. The growing focus on unmanned systems as a countermeasure against U.S. adversaries has also driven the development of Lamprey.
Under Indo-Pacific Command’s Hellscape concept, unmanned surface, underwater, and aerial systems have been elevated as a countermeasure against potential Chinese aggression in Taiwan. This concept aims to deter and defeat an invasion by swarming the strait with numerous systems capable of enhancing U.S. surveillance and strike capabilities.
The future plans for Lamprey are ambitious and far-reaching. Lockheed Martin is currently developing variants between 20 to 35 feet in length, which will further enhance the system’s capabilities. Additionally, the company plans to construct a second vessel that will iterate from the existing testing drone, thereby pushing the boundaries of what is possible with unmanned maritime systems.
The size and payload of the variant will heavily influence its loitering and range time. As such, Lockheed Martin will need to carefully balance the trade-offs between size, weight, and power to achieve optimal performance. The U.S. defense contractor’s commitment to advancing unmanned maritime capabilities serves as a beacon of hope for a more secure and prosperous future.
The implications of this technology extend far beyond the U.S. military, with potential applications in various fields such as environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, and oceanic research. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on autonomous systems, it is essential to continue investing in research and development to unlock their full potential. In an era where the boundaries between nations are becoming increasingly blurred, innovative solutions like Lamprey cannot be overstated.