Blue Ops
About
About Blue Ops
Variant 7 uses a modular open systems architecture that lets customers configure propulsion, sensors, communications and mission payloads while retaining common autonomous-navigation, remote-operation and mission-management software. The vessel is intended for ISR, force protection, harbor security and contested-logistics work in U.S. and allied fleets.
Blue Ops uses Hodgdon Shipbuilding's Maine facilities for prototypes and development, with scaled production at a 155,000-square-foot plant in Valdosta, Georgia. Red Cat reported that the Georgia facility had opened with capacity for more than 500 vessels per year by November 2025, and Blue Ops began ramping V7 into full-rate production in May 2026.
Supply
Supply chain relationships
- Havoc
Inbound - Software - Havoc supplies collaborative-autonomy and command-and-control software for Blue Ops Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel
Source - Volvo Penta
Inbound - Power Systems - Volvo Penta supplies the D4-320 engine and DPI drive offered for Blue Ops' Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel
Source
Timeline
Events
- 2026-10-01 - Partnership - Blue Ops partners with FAU for Harbor Branch maritime systems hub
Harbor Branch’s Fort Pierce site provides a deep-water port and marine research facilities. Planned work includes joint research, testing, maintenance, operator training and support. The collaboration also creates opportunities for student internships and workforce development.
Source - 2026-08-17 - Partnership - Blue Ops and Havoc partner on collaborative autonomy for uncrewed vessels
The planned integration covers the Variant 7 and future Blue Ops platforms, supporting coordinated multi-vessel operations for U.S. and allied defense customers. The companies plan operational fleets at Havoc's Rhode Island headquarters and Blue Ops' Florida headquarters for demonstrations, testing, training and operational evaluation. Blue Ops and Red Cat will introduce Havoc's autonomy stack to their customers, while Havoc will market Blue Ops vessels and the parties will jointly pursue integrated maritime-system opportunities.
Source - 2026-08-03 - Capability - Blue Ops integrates Volvo Penta propulsion as Variant 7 enters full-rate production
The propulsion configuration is connected to Variant 7’s autonomous navigation, remote-operation, mission-planning and payload-management architecture. Blue Ops positions the 24-foot craft for high-speed littoral operations, with diesel propulsion adding a commercially supported option for endurance and serviceability. The production disclosure is distinct from the propulsion test itself and marks a transition from development-stage integration to serial manufacturing.
Source - 2026-05-28 - Production Milestone - Blue Ops begins ramping Variant 7 into full-rate production
Variant 7 combines a domestic autonomy, command-and-control, communications and mission-systems stack. The production design prioritises U.S.-made and NDAA-compliant navigation, control, marine-hardware and perception components. Blue Ops uses a modular open systems architecture so customers can configure payloads, sensors, communications and mission systems.
Source - 2025-11-13 - Facility Opening - Blue Ops opens Valdosta USV factory with capacity above 500 vessels per year
The leased plant is dedicated to watercraft production and related manufacturing operations. The facility provides the scaled-production layer alongside prototype and development work in Maine. Red Cat disclosed the operational facility and capacity in its third-quarter 2025 results.
Source - 2025-08-26 - Company Formation - Blue Ops launches as Red Cat's maritime autonomy division
The new subsidiary was established alongside Red Cat's Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace businesses as its maritime systems arm. Blue Ops was formed to design, build and deploy a family of modular USVs for military and security operations. Barry Hinckley and Alexander Spaulding brought boatbuilding and maritime leadership experience to the new operation.
Source
Relations
Relationships
- Havoc
Collaborative Autonomy Integration Partner - Blue Ops plans to integrate Havoc's collaborative-autonomy and command-and-control software across Variant 7 and future uncrewed surface vessels.
- Red Cat
Parent Company - Blue Ops is Red Cat Holdings' wholly owned maritime subsidiary.
- Florida Atlantic University
Partner - Blue Ops and FAU plan maritime systems research, testing, training and support operations at Harbor Branch.
Context
Comparable profiles
- Saronic
comparable profile - Defence Surface Maritime Autonomy Builder
- Sierra Nevada Corporation
comparable profile - Defence Surface Maritime Autonomy Builder
- BlackSea Technologies
comparable profile - Defence Surface Maritime Autonomy Builder
- Bulwark Dynamics
comparable profile - Defence Surface Maritime Autonomy Builder
- Splash
comparable profile - Defence Surface Maritime Autonomy Builder
- Resolute Autonomy
comparable profile - Defence Surface Maritime Autonomy Builder
- Birdon Group
comparable profile - Defence Surface Maritime Autonomy Builder
Shared workflows
- XOCEAN
workflow adjacency - Autonomous Surface Vessel Operations
- Ocean Infinity
workflow adjacency - Autonomous Surface Vessel Operations
- Eight Knot
workflow adjacency - Autonomous Surface Vessel Operations
Context tags
- Autonomous surface navigation - Capability - Variant 7 integrates autonomous navigation with remote operation and mission management.
- Autonomous surface vessel operations - Workflow - Blue Ops builds and operates the Variant family as uncrewed surface vessels.
- Maritime surface autonomy platforms - Stack Layer - Blue Ops develops complete autonomous surface vessels and their mission stack.
- Autonomous surface vessel OEM - Stack Layer - Blue Ops designs, builds and assembles Variant 7 in the United States.
- Defence surface maritime autonomy builder - Peer Group - Blue Ops is a defense-focused builder of autonomous maritime surface systems.
- Naval defence customers - Customer Environment - Variant systems are designed for U.S. and allied defense and security customers.