HavocAI, a Rhode Island defense startup specializing in autonomous maritime technology, has raised $85 million to accelerate full-scale production of its unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and boost military collaborations with US and partner forces.
The round increases the company’s total funding to nearly $100 million since launching in early 2024, with staffing now approaching 80.
The investor group features B Capital, In-Q-Tel, Lockheed Martin, Hanwha, Taiwania Capital, Vanderbilt University, Up Partners, Island Green Capital, and Zero Infinity Partners, along with returning supporters Scout Ventures and Outlander Ventures.
Rather than building new hulls, HavocAI retrofits commercial vessels with an AI-driven autonomy suite for coordinated, low-supervision missions. The firm also designs its own platforms, including the Rampage USV — which gained visibility after the US Navy’s “Silent Swarm” trials and subsequent purchase of a dozen units at around $100,000 each.
HavocAI holds active contracts with the US Army, Navy, and Defense Innovation Unit and continues testing larger autonomous boats in Rhode Island, such as the Seahound (38 ft), Kaikoa (42 ft), and Atlas (100 ft).
Metal Shark will integrate the company’s software into its USVs, while Lockheed Martin is working with HavocAI to advance medium-sized autonomous platforms for naval applications. Despite facing Chinese sanctions for involvement in Taiwan defense support, HavocAI remains a key player in the Pentagon’s growing autonomous warfare ecosystem.
