# Navy Advances Autonomous Drone Operations

The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) demonstrated software that enables unmanned aircraft to navigate without GPS and land autonomously on moving ships, without pilot control or modifications to shipboard equipment. NAWCAD says the technology is ready for operational testing and is pursuing transition into Navy acquisition programs, including potential tactical-resupply applications. The announcement identifies no solicitation, contract value, or procurement contact, so this is a technology-transition signal rather than an active bid opportunity.

- Defense contractors developing unmanned aircraft, navigation software, or shipboard logistics capabilities can assess how their offerings align with GPS-denied autonomous operations and tactical resupply.
- The ability to operate without GPS or ship modifications could reduce integration demands for Navy platforms, although operational testing and acquisition transition remain ahead.
- Companies should treat the announcement as an indication of a potential future capability area; no specific procurement action or proposal deadline is identified.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Navy (U.S. Navy)
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)

### Sources
- [
	Navy Flies Drones Without GPS, Lands Autonomously on Moving Ships > United States Navy > display-pressreleases
](https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4625421/navy-flies-drones-without-gps-lands-autonomously-on-moving-ships/) - NAVY