The Saildrone Voyager platform has been upgraded with new software algorithms and hardware, enabling it to function in GPS jamming and spoofing regions. Saildrone has been able to successfully operate in the Middle East with new software and hardware features that enable sail drones to function in a GPS-denied environment.

The US Navy created Task Force 59 in 2021 under the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the US Fifth Fleet to drive the operational use of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence in fleet operations. In response to recent events in the region, GPS jamming and spoofing have affected unmanned operating systems in the region.

After extensive development and testing by Saildrone engineers to design a robust positioning system, Saildrone can now operate independently in GPS-denied or spoofed maritime environments. Saildrone's ground-breaking solution uses multiple types of localization, allowing operation without depending solely on satellite systems, and enabling operations to continue in contested environments. This was exemplified particularly well during IMX 2025, where Saildrone was the sole unmanned system that could navigate and conduct persistent surveillance within a denied environment.

“Satellite positioning and connectivity can no longer be relied upon in potential future conflicts,” said Richard Jenkins, Founder & CEO, Saildrone. “It is essential that our unmanned systems can continue to operate in denied environments, and Saildrone once again leads the way with demonstrated resilience in real operational missions with the US Navy.” 

Saildrones USVs are actively carrying out broad-area monitoring in the CENTCOM AOR, increasing maritime domain awareness and assisting US Navy operations. US forces have operated in the region in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian since December 2023, protecting commercial shipping and denying regional threats. Now in its fourth year of collaboration with the US Navy, Saildrone continues to surveil the Middle East, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific Oceans, enhancing maritime security and intelligence capacity.