The U.S. Navy seeks reusable, long-range strike drones for ship-based launch to counter anti-ship threats.

The U.S. Navy is seeking long-range, reusable strike drones for deployment from ships without large flight decks, aiming to boost maritime strike capabilities amid rising threats from anti-ship missiles. The RIMES program requires drones with a 1,400-nautical-mile one-way range, 1,000-pound payload capacity, and autonomy in contested environments with GPS denial and jamming. Designed for minimal infrastructure, rapid turnaround, and open-system upgrades, drones must withstand harsh sea conditions and support cost-effective, scalable production. Proposals are due by February 27, 2026, with prototypes expected within 12 months.