The Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded Edenton, N.C.-based The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG) a firm fixed price contract worth $17.5 million for six multi-mission reconnaissance craft, an expeditionary watercraft platform designed to conduct littoral (near-shore) and distributed operations. The vessels series, built for the U.S. Marine Corps, is expected to be completed September 2029.
The agreement includes options that could bring the cumulative value to $36 million. The initial funding amount of $17.5 million was obligated from the Fiscal Year 2025 research, development, technology, and evaluation (defense-wide) budget line. The contract was competitively bid and followed successful prototyping of TWPG’s design.
According to TWPG, four Whiskey Bravo vessels were assessed against emerging operational requirements over a year-long evaluation period. Those initial vessels are now supporting Marine Corps operations in Okinawa, Japan.
“The transition from evaluation to production is a significant achievement for our organization and a strong validation of the Whiskey Bravo platform,” said TWPG CEO Darren Schuback. “It reflects years of disciplines development, rigorous testing, and the dedication of a team committed to delivering capability that meets the exacting requirements of the United States Marine Corps.”
Schuback added that the agreement with the Marine Corps illustrates the growing influence of Australian maritime defense shipbuilders.
“This is a great example of Australian ingenuity delivering real-world outcomes,” he said. “We are proud that technology developed by our team is now supporting one of the world’s leading military organizations and contributing to operations in the Indo-Pacific.”
The award announcement comes less than a year after Sydney, Australia-headquartered TWPG opened its U.S. manufacturing facility in Edenton. TWPG offers two versions of its multi-mission reconnaissance craft platform: Whiskey Alpha, a 30-foot vessel design, and Whiskey Bravo, a 40-foot design.
