The Department of War is seeking low-cost logistics transport capabilities that can resupply units dispersed across wide distances in contested littoral environments.
Why Is the DOW Seeking New Maritime Resupply Platforms?
According to the commercial solutions opening notice published by the Defense Innovation Unit, the War Department is soliciting industry proposals for an autonomous low-profile vessel, or ALPV, to address all-domain threats and other evolving challenges that hinder warfighters from sustaining operations and maintaining combat capability in littoral environments. The proposed unmanned system must be demonstrated within 180 days of contract award.
What Are the Required ALPV Capabilities?
Under the concept, the vessel would be built on a modular open systems approach to support interoperability and future enhancements. It would carry at least 18,000 pounds of cargo, including bulk liquids and multiple classes of supply such as palletized containers and Joint Modular Intermodal Containers. Desired performance targets include an operating range of 1,000 to 2,000 nautical miles, speeds of at least 12 knots under specified sea conditions and the ability to loiter for up to 96 hours.
Additionally, the government is seeking vessels with a low-profile design to reduce detectability by adversary sensors during transit. The platform must also support autonomous navigation in congested waterways and denied, degraded, intermittent and limited, or DDIL, communication environments, while enabling dynamic re-tasking and remote human control during critical phases of operation.
Related Logistics Modernization Initiatives
The ALPV program aligns with other initiatives to enhance military logistics capabilities. In December 2025, the Defense Logistics Agency introduced the “Just Enough” logistics approach, which leverages data and artificial intelligence for demand forecasting to enhance readiness and operational agility. Earlier, in 2024, the U.S. Marine Corps highlighted the need for new transportation platforms, such as ALPVs, medium landing ships, and medium and large autonomous drones, to modernize and strengthen its logistics capabilities.
