The cost-effective solution provided by UAVs and minimizing the human factor causes new developments. The Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded contracts to three companies that will help come up with a design for a long-duration unmanned underwater vehicle. Within the scope of the Manta Ray Program, autonomous platforms that require minimum logistic support and can remain operational for a long time will be produced. The contract was signed with Lockheed Martin High Technology Laboratories, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Navatek.

The Manta Ray program aims to increase at-sea operational capacity and capabilities for the combatant commander while minimizing disruptions to current operations by remaining independent of crewed vessels and ports once deployed.