AEVEX defends GARC program status and US Navy investment

AEVEX Corp. has addressed reports regarding its Maritime Systems division, clarifying that the US Navy has not halted orders for the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) program due to performance issues. The company stated that no additional GARC vessels were planned for procurement following the successful delivery of 325 units in 2025, as the Navy is currently deploying the existing fleet across various commands.

AEVEX is currently executing a contract to enhance delivered units with new mission packages, such as mine-countermeasure capabilities currently active in the Strait of Hormuz. Contract modifications in 2026 have increased the total value to approximately $350 million, extending the period through June 2027.

The GARC vessels have recorded over 25,000 hours of on-water operations with the US Navy. Notably, during the RIMPAC 2026 sinking exercise, a GARC vessel conducted the Navy’s first autonomous live-fire strike by a small unmanned surface vessel.