Research Scientist

Metron starts building Lancet xl-class undersea drone for DIU. * Metalwork is underway on the Lancet's nose, tail and midsection * DIU wants an XL undersea vehicle that can haul payloads 1,400 nautical miles and operate autonomously below 200 meters * Metron is serving as the prime contractor and is supplying its autonomy software Van Gurley, president and CEO of Metron, said the design phase is complete and the team is on track to demonstrate the integrated system in 2027. Payload module fabrication and integration are planned through the fall, with sea trials set for early 2027 ahead of the CAMP demonstration in March of that year. What capabilities does DIU want from the CAMP vehicle? DIU launched CAMP to field undersea autonomy capable of carrying substantial payloads deep into contested waters. Program specifications set a 1,400-nautical-mile transit range and call for autonomous operation below 200 meters, as well as open interfaces compatible with government and third-party control software. Metron received the prototype other transaction agreement for the effort in December. Which companies make up the Lancet industry team? Metron serves as the prime contractor and supplies its ANCC autonomy software, which the company describes as mission-proven. The vehicle builds on Cellula Robotics' hydrogen fuel cell-powered Guardian UUV for long endurance, while Integer Technologies provides vehicle health monitoring and General Dynamics Applied Physical Sciences handles payload delivery. The design pairs modular payload capacity with open interfaces built to integrate with Navy systems.

Cellula Robotics, Metron forge 10-year partnership to advance next-gen AUVs. May 20, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić Cellula Robotics and Metron have signed a 10-year agreement to jointly develop and deliver autonomous undersea capabilities for the US defense market. The partnership is intended to combine Cellula's commercial off-the-shelf long-endurance autonomous underwater vehicle platforms with Metron's mission autonomy software and undersea operations expertise to support future defense requirements. Under the agreement, the companies will work together on integrated systems designed for deployment in maritime environments, with a focus on modularity, adaptability, and support for evolving operational needs. According to Cellula Robotics, the agreement establishes a long-term framework focused on faster fielding, strong operational performance, and confidence in long-term support. "We've worked closely with Metron over the last three years, and this agreement builds on that successful relationship," said Neil Manning, CEO of Cellula Robotics. "It gives customers greater confidence in supply, long-term support, and operational performance by bringing together complementary strengths in a solution designed to be fielded faster and aligned closely with mission needs." Specifically, the collaboration is designed around a modular, open-architecture approach that supports continued integration of third-party sensors, payloads, and mission systems, helping ensure the solution remains adaptable as technologies evolve and customer requirements change. "Cellula brings a proven, flexible COTS platform approach to the partnership. That is important for defense customers looking for capability that can be adapted, integrated, and fielded quickly with confidence," stated Van Gurley, President and CEO of Metron, Inc. "Together, we are combining our autonomy, mission planning, and novel payload options with Cellula's long-endurance AUV platforms in a way that delivers the next-generation autonomous undersea system the US Navy has been pursuing for over a decade." To remind, in March this year, Cellula was awarded a contract for the construction of a new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) prototype for the US.