Australia’s Whiskey Project wins USMC contract

The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG), manufacturer of next-generation multi-mission reconnaissance and tactical watercraft, has been awarded a contract to build its Whiskey Bravo vessels for the United States Marine Corps.

CAPTION: Multi-mission reconnaissance Bravo craft delivered to the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California. Image supplied.

Worth approximately US$36 million (AUD~$50 million), the contract marks the next stage of the Whiskey Bravo journey, transitioning from prototype evaluation into production.

A company spokesperson said the award built on several years of engagement with the United States Marine Corps, the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to develop and mature the Whiskey Bravo platform.

“Over a 12-month evaluation period, four Whiskey Bravo vessels were assessed against emerging operational requirements for future maritime missions and payload adaptability validating the platform’s performance, modularity and operational suitability.

“Importantly, the Whiskey Bravo vessels delivered at the earlier evaluation phase are now supporting United States Marine Corps operations in Okinawa, Japan, demonstrating the platform’s readiness and operational value in one of the Indo-Pacific’s most strategically significant regions.

“Whiskey Bravo is designed to provide a highly capable and deployable maritime platform that enhances operator safety, reliability and mission effectiveness.

“It supports a range of activities including reconnaissance, sensing and tactical manoeuvre in complex coastal and maritime environments.”

United States Marine Corps identified a requirement for expeditionary watercraft capable of supporting future operations where existing solutions do not fully meet anticipated needs.

Insights gained throughout the evaluation phase informed further refinements to the Whiskey Bravo design, enhancing performance, adaptability and operational effectiveness.

In June 2025, the platform achieved successful completion of the prototype evaluation phase, recognising both the capability of the Whiskey Bravo and TWPG’s ability to deliver responsive support throughout testing and deployment activities.

The company said the next Whiskey Bravo vessels would be built at TWPG USA’s facility in Edenton, North Carolina, with engineering, design and program support continuing to be delivered by TWPG Australia and its industry partners.

Delivery of all vessels is expected by the end of 2027.

TWPG Chief Executive Officer Darren Schuback said the contract award reflected years of innovation, determination and commitment from teams across Australia and the United States.

“The transition from evaluation to production is a significant achievement for our organisation and a strong validation of the Whiskey Bravo platform.

“It reflects years of disciplined development, rigorous testing and the dedication of a team committed to delivering capability that meets the exacting requirements of the United States Marine Corps.

“This is a great example of Australian ingenuity delivering real-world outcomes.

“We are proud that technology developed by our team is now supporting one of the world’s leading military organisations and contributing to operations in the Indo-Pacific.”

He said the move into production represented an exciting new chapter for the company.

“The Whiskey Bravo has proven itself through extensive testing, moving into production allows us to build on that success and continue delivering capability to the warfighter.”

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