- U.S. procurement documents confirmed Japan’s $25 million Foreign Military Sales purchase from Liquid Robotics involves 20 Wave Glider SV6 unmanned surface vehicles.
- The Air Force approved a sole-source acquisition citing compatibility with existing systems and the platform’s ability to meet operational requirements.
Previously undisclosed details have emerged about Japan’s purchase of unmanned maritime systems from U.S.-based Liquid Robotics, confirming that the platforms acquired under a $25 million Foreign Military Sales program are Wave Glider SV6 unmanned surface vehicles, according to newly released U.S. Air Force procurement documents.
The information comes from a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Justification and Approval (J&A) document authorizing a sole-source acquisition by the Air Force Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
The document identifies the program as “Overwater Impact Location (OWIL) SV6 Wave Gliders” and confirms procurement of 20 commercial unmanned surface vehicles, along with control software, payloads, and launch and recovery equipment.
Earlier contract disclosures stated that the United States Air Force awarded Liquid Robotics Inc., headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, a $25 million contract supporting Japan, but the specific platform type was not publicly identified at the time.
According to the J&A, the government approved the acquisition under authority allowing contracts when “only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.” The Air Force determined Liquid Robotics was the only manufacturer capable of meeting operational needs within required timelines using an existing commercial off-the-shelf system.
The document states that the 96th Test Squadron required the platforms to support operational testing activities tied to overwater impact tracking and maritime instrumentation missions. Delivery timelines specify the first unit within 360 days and final delivery within 720 days after contract execution.
Officials justified the sole-source decision by citing compatibility with an existing fleet already operating 14 Liquid Robotics unmanned surface vehicles acquired under previous contracts. The Air Force noted that introducing a different platform would require new training pipelines and redesign of specialized payload systems already integrated onto Wave Glider platforms.
The justification states that maintaining fleet uniformity avoids additional development expenses and delays, particularly because payloads such as thin-wire winch and towbody systems are already engineered for the Wave Glider architecture. Integrating a different unmanned surface vehicle would require redesign work and added development costs.
Market research evaluated several alternative manufacturers, including Marine Advanced Robotics, Maritime Tactical Systems, Textron, Saronic Technologies, Chase-Hana, and Novielli Boat Builders. According to the document, competing systems failed to meet endurance, communications, visibility, or size requirements, or remained developmental rather than commercially available systems.
The Wave Glider SV6 is a long-endurance unmanned surface vehicle powered by a hybrid wave- and solar-energy system. The platform consists of a surface float connected by a tether to an underwater wing assembly that converts ocean motion into forward propulsion, allowing extended deployments without fuel resupply. The system has previously supported both U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy missions.
Procurement documentation shows the acquisition classified as operational rather than experimental, indicating deployment within established mission frameworks rather than early-stage testing. The contract received approval from Brig. Gen. Mark A. Massaro, commander of the 96th Test Wing, in November 2025 following legal and competition review.
The disclosure clarifies earlier reporting surrounding Japan’s acquisition. The Foreign Military Sales structure allows allied nations to obtain U.S.-managed procurement while ensuring compatibility with American operational systems and logistics support.