The Unmanned Navy: Where Maritime Autonomy Goes Next
ASC presents a deep conversation on The Unmanned Navy: Where Maritime Autonomy Goes Next.
The Navy has awarded more than $1.5 billion in production contracts for unmanned surface vessels over the past year, moving autonomous ships from experiments into fleet procurement. What does the operator actually need on the water, how do special operations prototypes scale into fleet-wide programs, and which platforms will matter at volume? Join the Abelian Security Council for a candid conversation with a former special operations buyer on where maritime autonomy goes from here.
On the table
From requirement to hull: how operator capability gaps get translated into specifications, concepts of operations, and acquisition strategies for unmanned systems
Buying fast: how Other Transaction Authority (OTA), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR/STTR), and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) pathways are used to prototype and field unmanned systems quickly
Surface and undersea: where unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) are delivering real capability, and where they still fall short
Startups vs. incumbents: what separates new entrants that win real programs from those that stall after a demo
Scaling up: what it will take to move from small special operations buys to fleet-scale adoption across the Department of War
Speaker
Gary Landuyt retired from the Navy in 2026 after 20 years in Naval Special Warfare, finishing as Director of Unmanned Systems Research and Development at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG). He is now a contract technical advisor to several offices within the Department of War, focusing on unmanned and counter-unmanned systems, command and control (C2), and AI infrastructure. He co-founded The Mandatum Foundation, which helps Special Operations veterans transition to civilian careers. A Tillman Scholar, he holds an MBA from Colorado State University and is pursuing a specialized master's degree at the University of Notre Dame.
Moderator: Owen Davies, CEO of the ASC
Submit questions for Gary when you register and no later than Friday, November 13. We'll do our best to make sure submitted questions are answered, but we can't guarantee every question will be covered.
Good to know
Admission is subject to pre-qualification criteria.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Attendees remain anonymous, and the session is held under the Chatham House rule.
A recording and transcript will not be available after the event.
Speakers participate in their capacity as private citizens. None of the views expressed are endorsed by political organizations, government, military, or current and prior employers. Events are for informational purposes only. Nothing discussed is investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation.