FarSounder’s Argos 3D Forward Looking Sonar (FLS), through Serco, Inc., has been included in the navigation system of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) recently completed No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) demonstration vessel.
The project centers on the development of Defiant, an advanced unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed to operate autonomously for extended durations at sea without any onboard crew.
As part of the program, FarSounder’s Argos FLS was integrated into the vessel’s navigation suite to enhance situational awareness and support real-time obstacle avoidance. This integration highlights FarSounder’s growing presence in the autonomous and unmanned vessel sector, providing advanced navigation capabilities for vessels conducting complex missions in challenging marine environments.
Defiant, a 180-foot, 240-metric-ton vessel, was completed in early 2025 and is now undergoing in-water and at-sea testing. Its deployment represents a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous naval operations.
Matthew Zimmerman, CEO and Co-Founder of FarSounder, commented, “This program represents a major step forward in the evolution of unmanned maritime systems. We’re honored to contribute our technology to an effort that pushes the boundaries of ship design and operational autonomy.”
FarSounder is proud to have its Argos system featured in this project as the company continues to expand its role in the unmanned and autonomous vessel market. With over two decades of expertise in real-time 3D navigation, its forward-looking sonar systems are increasingly selected by defense, commercial, and research organizations seeking enhanced situational awareness below the waterline.
