Red Cat Holdings has launched Blue Ops, Inc, its newest division focussed on designing, building, and deploying modular battle-tested USV weapons systems for defense and security applications, formalizing Red Cat’s entry into the maritime autonomy market.
This launch marks a significant step in Red Cat’s strategy to evolve into an all-domain defense company, expanding its Family of Systems to include advanced maritime capabilities.
As part of its all-domain, multi-mission strategy, including ISR and tactical strike, Red Cat will integrate various sensors, kinetic systems, and other capabilities into the new USV weapons platform, enabling functions such as transporting and deploying its existing aerial UAS systems.
Barry Hinckley, a third-generation marine industry veteran, entrepreneur, technology executive, and former U.S. Senate candidate, has been appointed President of Blue Ops. He brings experience as a Coast Guard-certified Merchant Mariner, along with a background in aviation, offshore sailing, and enterprise software.
Alexander ‘Sandy’ Spaulding will also lead this new division, utilizing his previous leadership roles across the maritime industry and former position as the President of Hinckley Yachts, to expand the team’s practical experience and strategic partnerships.
Together Hinckley and Spaulding bring over 70 years of combined experience in maritime leadership.
Barry Hinckley, President of Blue Ops, stated, “At Blue Ops, we’re combining nearly a century of American boatbuilding experience with modern autonomy and mission-ready design. This new division is a critical extension of Red Cat’s all-domain strategy, supporting today’s warfighters across air, land, and sea.
“We’re not replacing large naval vessels – we’re building smaller, smarter, uncrewed platforms that extend their reach, provide forward protection, and can operate in places traditional ships can’t. The future of maritime defense depends on a fast, modular weapons system built in the U.S. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
Blue Ops itself will sit alongside Red Cat’s existing divisions, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace. As part of the launch, Red Cat plans to finalize its multi-state manufacturing operations. This aligns with national efforts to strengthen domestic defense manufacturing and field autonomous capabilities for U.S. and allied forces.
The new division builds on Red Cat’s earlier support for executive orders from the White House to restore American maritime dominance and accelerate deployment of autonomous systems across all domains.
Blue Ops also aligns with the Navy’s plan to scale robotic and autonomous systems, integrating more platforms quickly. This forms part of its Navigation Plan to raise the readiness across the force by 2027 for a crisis or conflict, enhancing the Navy’s long-term advantage.
Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO, stated, “Blue Ops is honored to bring proven technology, already validated in modern combat, into U.S. production for the next generation of maritime defense. The United States Navy has made it clear that fleet modernization and combat readiness are critical ahead of a possible conflict in the South China Sea that would involve American and allied forces. A big part of this strategy includes integrating autonomous vehicles into fleet operations and tapping into the vast potential of America’s shipbuilding industry.
“Our proven technology platform, combined with the deep domain expertise of veteran boat builders, will provide the U.S. with a rapidly scalable solution that is ready for battle. Appointing Barry to oversee Blue Ops and lead an all-star team aligns perfectly with our mission.”
