Saronic Raises $600M for Drone Boats, Targets Pentagon Contracts

Saronic, a naval defense-tech unicorn specializing in autonomous surface vessels, raised $600 million in Series C funding, boosting its valuation to $4 billion and funding its Port Alpha shipyard initiative. The company offers six drone-boat models (6–150 feet) adaptable for surveillance, intelligence collection, and combat with modular weapon options. With nearly $850 million in VC financing, Saronic ranks fifth in defense-tech funding alongside SpaceX and Anduril. Its strategy focuses on securing a long-term Department of Defense “program of record” contract, following initial R&D deals (CRADAs) worth $33 million. Saronic projects 2025 revenue of $400 million, up from a previous $155 million forecast, supported by a $300 million contract pipeline. Expansion includes acquiring Gulf Craft shipyards in Louisiana, growing headcount to over 700, and opening facilities in San Diego and Austin. The U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding crisis and a $29 billion domestic vessel budget widen Saronic’s market to include the Coast Guard, law enforcement, and allied navies. While investors debate whether a single provider can dominate naval vessels, Saronic plans to diversify into civilian and overseas contracts. Its flagship Spyglass, Cutlass, Corsair, and larger Mirage, Cypher, and Marauder vessels position the startup to capitalize on the growing defense-tech boom.