The US Navy has cancelled its Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) program and is shifting to a new acquisition strategy under the “Golden Fleet” concept, aiming to rapidly field versatile medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs), according to Mallory Shelbourne of USNI News. Shelbourne writes:

Citing the Trump administration’s push to revitalize shipbuilding through the Golden Fleet concept and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle’s push to use more robotic and autonomous systems in his fighting instructions, Gassler said the Navy had to change course from the previous MASC plans.

Instead of developing prototypes, the Navy will prioritize production-ready, mission-capable platforms using existing industry technology, enabling faster deployment and cutting roughly a year from timelines.

The new approach introduces a competitive marketplace model, where vendors provide vessel designs, business models, sustainment plans, and testing strategies. With funding support and testing set for 2026, the Navy seeks modular, multi-mission unmanned vessels that can integrate quickly into the fleet and expand the role of autonomous systems in future naval operations.