Anduril, Edison Chouest Partner to Scale U.S. Autonomous Naval Vessels
Anduril and Edison Chouest Offshore partner to accelerate U.S. autonomous vessel production using existing shipyard capacity and infrastructure.
Anduril Industries and Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) announced a strategic partnership to design and build next-generation defense maritime vessels in the United States, combining autonomous systems with domestic shipbuilding capacity. The companies said the agreement focuses on accelerating production timelines and strengthening the U.S. maritime industrial base.
Under the agreement, Anduril Industries will act as the prime contractor, overseeing program delivery and integrating its autonomy and mission systems. Edison Chouest Offshore will handle shipbuilding and systems integration, using its network of U.S. shipyards to support large-scale production.
The partnership comes as the U.S. seeks to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity. The National Maritime Action Plan states that “a self-sustaining domestic shipbuilding sector is critical for national and economic security,” a point both companies referenced in outlining the rationale for the collaboration.
Production model built on existing infrastructure
The companies said the partnership is designed to reduce delays typically associated with new shipbuilding programs by using existing facilities and workforce capacity. ECO operates multiple shipyards across the Gulf Coast, including large-scale facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi, allowing production to begin without new construction or permitting timelines.
The approach centers on speed and scale. By combining Anduril’s autonomous systems with ECO’s industrial footprint, the companies aim to deliver operational vessels on accelerated timelines. The model prioritizes rapid construction and integration of onboard systems, supported by an established workforce and supply chain.
This production strategy also reflects broader challenges in U.S. naval shipbuilding, where limited capacity and long timelines have constrained output. Industry efforts have increasingly focused on leveraging existing commercial shipyards to supplement defense production.
Part of a broader autonomous naval strategy
The partnership is tied to the development of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), which are expected to play a larger role in U.S. naval operations. Anduril has been working with international shipbuilders, including HD Hyundai, to design these vessels, with construction of the first platform already underway and testing expected later this year.
ECO’s role focuses on U.S.-based production for these systems, including potential alignment with the U.S. Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) program. The effort connects design, autonomy software, and domestic manufacturing into a single production pipeline.
The combined model integrates Anduril’s software and mission systems with global ship design and U.S. industrial capacity. Industry analysts note that this approach is intended to bypass traditional procurement bottlenecks and scale autonomous fleets more quickly.
The announcement adds to a growing set of partnerships aimed at expanding autonomous maritime capabilities, as defense agencies shift toward distributed and unmanned naval systems.