The US Navy’s Stiletto Program has just pulled off a game-changer: a fully autonomous launch and recovery system for small boats. The June demonstration in Norfolk, Virginia, wasn’t just a tech showcase—it was a proof of concept that could redefine maritime operations. SEALARTEC, the Israeli company behind the system, has cracked the code on something naval forces and commercial fleets alike have been chasing: a way to deploy and retrieve unmanned surface vessels (USVs) without human hands on deck.
The system isn’t just smart—it’s stubborn. Using local positioning, onboard sensors, and algorithms sharp enough to handle rough seas, it locks onto returning USVs and brings them aboard autonomously. No human intervention, no guesswork. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reducing risk. In contested waters or remote operations, keeping personnel out of harm’s way isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity.
SEALARTEC’s tech isn’t flying under the radar. The company has already teamed up with heavyweights like BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries. But the Stiletto Program’s endorsement is a different kind of validation. The Stiletto vessel itself is a marvel—a modular testbed that’s been pushing boundaries since its 2006 launch. Its catamaran hull, low radar profile, and interchangeable systems make it the perfect sandbox for cutting-edge maritime tech.
The Stiletto’s flexibility is key. In 2021, it teamed up with Australia’s DroneShield to disrupt drone swarms, proving its adaptability. Now, with SEALARTEC’s autonomous launch and recovery system, it’s taking another leap. The system’s CEO, Amitai Peleg, nailed it when he said, “What we are asking the driver to do is just come to the stern of the ship [and] match the speed. We do all the rest.” That’s the beauty of it—simplicity on the surface, sophistication under the hood.
The speed of this collaboration is worth noting. From a chance meeting at a maritime symposium to sea trials in months, the Stiletto Program moved fast. Program Manager Dennis Danko made it clear: “We are always seeking the next breakthrough and finding ways to bring it to life on the water.” That proactive mindset is exactly what’s needed to keep pace with evolving threats and operational demands.
Scott Sampson, Senior Craft Design Manager for the Combatant Craft Division, hit the nail on the head: “Because of this modularity, the Stiletto will always stay up to date, because we are able to plug and play the most relevant technology and keep us ready for the future.” That’s the vision—continuous adaptation, relentless innovation.
This isn’t just about one demo or one system. It’s about a shift in how navies and maritime industries approach autonomy. The ability to launch and recover USVs autonomously isn’t just a convenience—it’s a strategic advantage. It reduces human exposure to danger, optimizes fuel and route efficiency, and enables persistent operations without fatigue. In an era where contested waters and remote operations are the norm, this kind of tech isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.
The Stiletto Program’s success with SEALARTEC’s system sends a clear message: the future of maritime operations is autonomous, adaptable, and relentlessly innovative. And it’s happening now.