# U.S. Navy Funds GARC Fleet Upgrades

AEVEX reports that the U.S. Navy continues to fund upgrades, payload integration, and mission-specific enhancements for its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) fleet, despite having no further vessel purchases planned after AEVEX delivered 325 units in 2025. The company says its existing GARC contract was modified in 2026 to approximately $350 million and extended through June 2027. The announcement describes continued work on delivered vessels—not a new solicitation or open competition—and identifies AEVEX’s Chaser and Comet platforms as longer-term developments.

- The near-term procurement signal is potential work in fleet sustainment, mission packages, payload integration, and capability upgrades under the existing contract.
- Companies evaluating the opportunity should distinguish this reported contract activity from a new vessel acquisition or an open competition; the program and performance details are company statements.
- AEVEX’s development of Chaser and Comet may be relevant to longer-term maritime systems planning, but the signals do not identify a procurement timeline or solicitation for either platform.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Navy (U.S. Navy)

### Vendors
- AEVEX Corp. (incumbent)

### Key Quotes
> The Navy’s continued investment in the GARC fleet, combined with our transition to next-generation platforms, reinforces the strategy behind this acquisition. We’re focused on executing our multi-domain strategy and delivering capabilities that evolve alongside the missions they support.
> — Roger Wells, Chief Executive Officer of AEVEX

### Sources
- [AEVEX Reaffirms Maritime Systems Strategy and Continued U.S. Navy](https://natlawreview.com/press-releases/aevex-reaffirms-maritime-systems-strategy-and-continued-us-navy-investment) - The National Law Review
- [AEVEX Reaffirms Maritime Systems Strategy and Continued U.S. Navy Investment](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261021466393/en/AEVEX-Reaffirms-Maritime-Systems-Strategy-and-Continued-U.S.-Navy-Investment) - Business Wire