A new platform from US firm REGENT skims the waves like a boat and takes to the air like an aircraft, redefining what autonomous drones can do at sea.
The Squire Seaglider is a next-gen unmanned surface and aerial vehicle (USA-V) capable of traveling just above the waterline, blending boat and aircraft capabilities to boost both efficiency and operational range.
Built for maritime theaters, the platform extends reach while minimizing visibility, offering an edge over conventional surface systems.
It can support missions such as contested logistics, medical evacuation, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
“Since we launched REGENT Defense, we’ve seen incredible traction with the US Department of Defense and allies and partners around the world, from Taiwan to the Philippines to the UK and beyond,” said Tom Huntley, general manager of REGENT Defense.
“The signal is clear, and we’re moving quickly to develop, demonstrate, and deliver this transformative technology at scale.”
Filling the Gap
Revealed at the Seabee Museum, REGENT highlighted the Seaglider’s role in shaping next-gen maritime operations.
The event included company officials and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who underscored shortfalls in contested logistics and the need for rapidly deployable solutions.
The Squire USA-V is designed to fill this gap by offering a high-speed air-maritime platform capable of rapid, flexible operations where traditional systems struggle.
“Today’s briefing with Secretary Hegseth and senior staff shows that our military leadership is invested in fielding new technologies to fill critical gaps in maritime defense operations,” REGENT co-founder and CEO Billy Thalheimer stated. “We’re proud to deliver Seaglider vessels to meet that urgent need.”
REGENT plans to produce Seagliders at its Quonset, Rhode Island headquarters, with a new production facility coming online later this year.
