High-resolution images
Artist's concept: Autonomous refueling is essential to the success of the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program.
Source: DARPA | Colie Wertz
NOMARS:
At-sea demo
August 2025
The Defiant's christening ceremony took place on Aug. 11, at Everett Ship Repair in Everett, Washington.
Key images from the NOMARS program and Defiant at-sea demonstration are shared here in high-resolution. Media are encouraged to use these images with credit, in line with DARPA's usage policy.
Reach out to the DARPA Public Affairs Office with any questions.
Resources
The No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) Defiant is an unmanned surface vessel designed to operate for up to one year at sea without human intervention.
Source: DARPA | Elizabeth Orsini, Jahyra Catala
The NOMARS program demonstrator vessel, USX-1 Defiant, conducts in-water testing in the Puget Sound.
Source: Serco North America
The NOMARS program demonstrator vessel, USX-1 Defiant, conducts in-water testing in the Puget Sound.
Source: Serco North America
The NOMARS program demonstrator vessel, USX-1 Defiant, conducts in-water testing in the Puget Sound.
Source: Serco North America
The NOMARS program successfully demonstrated fueling at sea (FAS) capabilities for the USX-1 Defiant in the waters near Port Hueneme, Calif., using the manned Melissa C vessel as the refueling ship. The NOMARS FAS approach mirrors standard refueling concept of operations (CONOPS) as closely as possible, without needing humans to ever be aboard the Defiant.
Source: DARPA | Matt Rising
