From the MILTECH BRIEF event dataset — every item we publish is logged as a structured, source-graded record. Stated values only; we never estimate.
Norwegian shipbuilder Umoe Mandal was chosen to build the Saildrone Surveyor V3, an autonomous surface vessel designed for maritime surveillance and oceanographic missions. Saildrone, a US firm that previously announced plans to establish European production in the Netherlands and Norway, did not disclose contract value, delivery schedule or quantity.
Breaking Defense reports Saildrone is expanding its European footprint with manufacturing plans across three countries. The first 52-meter Saildrone Spectre is slated for Van der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands, while next-generation Surveyor production is planned at Umoe Mandal in Norway.
Why it matters: Europe wants maritime autonomy at scale, and the decisive step is always where the hulls are actually built.