A new multi-mission autonomous undersea vehicle (MMAUV) from Lockheed Martin can attach itself to ships and submarines to slip into contested waters.
Known as Lamprey, the drone supports a wide range of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, multi-stream data collection, and seabed equipment deployment.
It combines a modular architecture with a versatile internal bay to accommodate torpedoes, sensors, and decoys.
According to the company, the MMAUV can reach operational areas fully charged, thanks to onboard hydrogenators that allow on-the-go recharging. This eliminates the need to return to a support ship to power up.
For propulsion, Lamprey features two rear-mounted thrusters and two additional thrusters on the sides, allowing it to maneuver quietly in tight spaces or around seabed obstacles.
Strategic Impact
By providing persistent, autonomous presence underwater at far lower cost than manned platforms, Lamprey aims to secure denied areas and exert control over the seabed.
Drawing on Lockheed’s experience, the MMAUV promises better situational awareness, faster decision-making, and a flexible tool for operations in contested waters.
“The modern battlespace demands platforms that hide, adapt, and dominate,” said Paul Lemmo, vice president and general manager of Sensors, Effectors & Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin.
“Lamprey MMAUV was internally funded, letting us iterate at lightning speed and hand the navy a true multi-mission weapon that detects, disrupts, decoys, and engages on its own.”
