# DIU Opens Maritime Counter-Air Challenge

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) opened SWAP-USV Sprint 2, a prize challenge seeking production-ready unmanned surface vessels integrated with launchers and weapons for maritime counter-air missions. Eligible U.S. and international firms may compete individually or in teams for up to $40 million in prizes, with a separately budgeted $200 million for potential follow-on prototype or production other transaction agreements (OTAs). Submissions are due November 29, 2026, 43 days from October 17; in-water testing is planned for early 2027 at Little Creek in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

- Companies should assess whether they can demonstrate a complete, integrated system and meet the challenge’s 120-day deployment, range, speed, engagement, interoperability, and testing requirements.
- The prize challenge and potential follow-on OTAs create separate opportunities: eligible firms can compete for prizes, while selected systems may be considered for prototype or production agreements.
- Firms planning a submission should use the November 29 deadline to organize their proposal and demonstrate how their system meets the stated operational and integration requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** October 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
- Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems
- Department of War (DOW)

### Sources
- [DIU Opens SWAP-USV Sprint 2 for Maritime Counter-Air Systems](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/diu-swap-usv-sprint-2-counter-air-prize-challenge) - ExecutiveGov