U.S. Marines Advance Autonomous Helicopter Resupply Program

On April 27, 2026, the U.S. Marine Corps awarded a US$15.5 million contract to Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, for the next phase of the MARV-EL autonomous logistics program. The selected system, the R66 TURBINETRUCK, was developed in partnership with Robinson Unmanned to improve battlefield resupply.

This program will deliver essential supplies like ammunition and medical equipment directly to Marines. It also addresses a gap between small drones and large cargo aircraft by providing a mid-sized unmanned solution.

The R66 TURBINETRUCK combines a durable helicopter platform with the MATRIX autonomy system to enable uncrewed flight operations. It is designed to function in harsh conditions and can take off and land from limited or unprepared locations such as ship decks or remote bases.