Seatrec, Precise Systems, Airtronics to Deliver Persistent Subsea Autonomous Profiler Capability for U.S. Navy
MOU establishes a manufacturing, integration, and delivery framework combining Seatrec’s ocean energy-harvesting technology with Precise Systems’ and Airtronics’ systems engineering expertise to execute highly scalable and robust PSAP mission capability
VISTA, Calif. and LEXINGTON PARK, Md.— April 16, 2026 — Seatrec, a leader in thermal-powered, long-endurance subsea drones, Precise Systems, a premier defense solutions provider, and its affiliate Airtronics, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver Persistent Subsea Autonomous Profiler (PSAP) units in support of the U.S. Navy and other customers.
The MOU establishes a framework for partnership and collaboration among the three parties to execute and deliver PSAP units in accordance with approved program deliverables and budget. Central to the agreement is the establishment of a highly scalable manufacturing, integration, and delivery facility in Mississippi. The primary objective is to combine Seatrec’s technology with the systems engineering and manufacturing expertise of Precise Systems and Airtronics to execute and deliver a robust, persistent PSAP mission capability.
“This agreement brings together exactly the right capabilities at the right time. Seatrec’s energy-harvesting technology fundamentally changes what is possible for persistent undersea operations, and the manufacturing and systems integration depth that Precise Systems and Airtronics bring to this partnership gives us a clear path to delivering PSAP capability at the scale and reliability the Navy requires,” stated Yi Chao, Ph.D., CEO and founder of Seatrec.
Seatrec’s energy-harvesting core technology, originally developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and commercialized out of the California Institute of Technology in 2016, enables subsea drones to generate electricity from naturally occurring ocean temperature gradients. This approach eliminates the endurance limitations that have historically constrained battery-powered underwater autonomous vehicles, supporting extended missions and enabling the integration of power-intensive sensors, such as hydrophones, that were previously impossible for long-duration deployments.
Precise Systems Chief Executive Officer and President, Scott Pfister, added, “Precise Systems and Airtronics are proud to anchor the manufacturing and systems integration mission for this program. Establishing a dedicated facility in Mississippi reflects our long-term commitment to building scalable, domestic defense production capacity, and our confidence that the PSAP capability we deliver together will meet the Navy’s most demanding operational requirements.”
The PSAP supports the U.S. Navy’s need for persistent, autonomous undersea profiling platforms capable of operating across a range of maritime environments. By pairing Seatrec’s renewable energy systems with the proven manufacturing and integration capabilities of Precise Systems and Airtronics, the partnership is positioned to deliver a highly scalable solution that advances undersea warfare readiness and ocean domain awareness.
This partnership is positioned to deliver a scalable solution that advances undersea warfare readiness and ocean domain awareness.
U.S. Southern Command, in partnership with the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC), is submitting a proposal this month to the Office of the Under Secretary of War for initial procurement funding to begin scaling up PSAP units to meet important joint warfighting capability needs. U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Central Command have also endorsed their combatant commands’ need for this vital capability enabled by Seatrec’s unique and groundbreaking technology.
ABOUT SEATREC
Seatrec designs and manufactures subsea drones that generate electricity from ocean temperature gradients. Our products empower defense and oceanographic researchers to extend mission durations, optimize data collection, and reduce operational costs. By enabling the integration of advanced sensors previously limited in endurance and functionality, such as hydrophones, we open new possibilities for ocean science.
Seatrec’s energy-harvesting core technology was developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and spun out of the California Institute of Technology in 2016. Seatrec is headquartered in Vista, California. Visit us at seatrec.com.
ABOUT PRECISE SYSTEMS
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through combined capabilities spanning Advanced Engineering, Digital Transformation, Electromagnetic Warfare, Interactive Training & Simulation, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, and Foreign Military Sales, Precise Systems applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, Precise Systems is guided by a commitment to partnership, precision, and performance. For more information, visit GoPrecise.com.
ABOUT AIRTRONICS
Established in 1975, Airtronics Inc. is a DOD Government Contractor, currently maintaining hundreds of prime contracts for various agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Defense Logistics Agency and Navy. Learn more at airtronicsinc.com.