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2025-01-05
USVs: The Fleet That’s Making a Splash
Military Robotics - Part 6
This instalment of our Military Robotics series shifts focus to Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and their transformative potential in naval warfare.
USVs are revolutionising naval strategies with their advanced capabilities, including surveillance, mine detection, and combat operations.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics have propelled the development of these autonomous vessels, enabling them to perform specialised missions such as threat neutralisation and reconnaissance with remarkable precision.
By navigating dynamic sea environments with efficiency and adaptability, USVs are redefining the future of maritime conflict.
Sea drones offer a revolutionary balance of affordability and effectiveness, allowing smaller or less-resourced forces to counter superior naval powers with precision.
Challenges for Established Navies
The rise of unmanned sea drones presents both opportunities and challenges for traditional naval powers.
Advanced fleets face vulnerabilities to these low-cost, hard-to-detect platforms, with failure to adapt potentially leaving even well-equipped navies at a disadvantage. However, incorporating sea drones into traditional naval strategies offers immense potential, enabling navies to extend their operational reach while reducing risks to personnel.
Asymmetric Naval Warfare
Unmanned sea drones represent a natural progression in asymmetric naval strategies, challenging larger, more technologically advanced navies.
While cruise and ballistic missiles with hypersonic speeds once posed the primary threat, leading to defensive systems like the U.S. Navy’s Aegis, unconventional tactics have also exposed vulnerabilities. The 2000 attack on the USS Cole, using a small explosive-laden boat, highlighted the risks even for advanced fleets, underscoring the need for preparedness against diverse threats.
USVs bring transformative possibilities across a wide range of industries, including defence, security, environmental monitoring, and commercial operations. These vessels, which are either autonomous or remotely controlled, operate on the water’s surface without the need for onboard crew members.
They are poised to transform maritime operations with their groundbreaking capabilities.
Advantages of USVs
Cost Efficiency: USVs significantly reduce operational costs by eliminating the need for onboard crew, cutting expenses related to wages, accommodations, food, and safety measures. They generally require fewer resources for maintenance and have lower operational overhead compared to traditional vessels, making them a cost-effective alternative for long-term use.
Enhanced Safety: By removing human operators from dangerous environments, USVs mitigate risks faced by crews in scenarios such as adverse weather, combat zones, or piracy threats. In military applications, USVs are used for tasks like reconnaissance, mine sweeping, and surveillance, protecting human personnel from harm.
Example: The U.S. Navy’s Sea Hunter is an autonomous vessel designed for anti-submarine warfare, capable of conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions without endangering crew members.
Extended Operational Reach: USVs can operate in remote or challenging environments where crewed missions would be difficult or expensive. From deep-sea exploration to Arctic surveys and offshore inspections, they excel in tasks requiring endurance and autonomy in harsh conditions.
Example: The Seagull USV, developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, is designed for mine countermeasure missions and can operate in littoral and deep-sea environments.
Surveillance and Data Collection: Equipped with advanced sensors (e.g., radar, sonar, cameras, and environmental monitors), USVs collect critical real-time data for a range of applications. For instance, in environmental monitoring, they track ocean currents, water quality, and marine ecosystems. This makes them essential for climate research, fisheries management, and pollution control.
Example: The Wave Glider by Liquid Robotics is widely used for environmental monitoring, harnessing wave and solar energy for extended autonomous missions.
Improved Military and Defence Operations: USVs enhance military capabilities by providing real-time intelligence, mine detection, and anti-submarine warfare solutions. They can patrol large areas autonomously, reducing risks to human operators while increasing strategic flexibility.
Example: The C-Sweep and C-Hunter USVs, developed by Atlas Elektronik, are utilised for mine detection and neutralisation, supporting naval operations globally.
Autonomy and AI Integration: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning enable USVs to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, adapting to environmental changes, avoiding collisions, and making decisions without direct human input.
Example: The British Royal Navy’s MADFOX (Maritime Demonstrator for Operational Experimentation) USV leverages AI for decision-making in surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Scalability and Flexibility: USVs come in a range of sizes and capabilities, from small, low-cost platforms for environmental studies to larger, highly equipped vessels for defence and commercial tasks. Their modular design allows them to be tailored to specific missions, including coordinated fleet operations.
Example: The ACTUV programme by DARPA (later adopted as Sea Hunter) explores scalable fleets of USVs for autonomous naval operations.
Environmental Impact: USVs are often more sustainable than traditional vessels, with options to power them using renewable energy sources like solar or wind. Their smaller size and energy-efficient designs reduce fuel consumption and overall carbon footprint.
Example: The solar-powered AutoNaut USV has been employed for oceanic research missions, providing zero-emission operations.
Innovation in Commercial Shipping and Logistics: In commercial shipping, USVs have the potential to revolutionise cargo transport, particularly in less congested or inland waterways. They can assist with port operations, performing inspection, maintenance, and support tasks autonomously.
Example: The Yara Birkeland, though more of an autonomous electric container ship than a USV, highlights the integration of unmanned technologies in commercial shipping.
Search and Rescue Operations: USVs are increasingly used in search and rescue (SAR) operations, especially in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas. Equipped with sonar, infrared cameras, and other rescue tools, they locate missing persons or vessels efficiently, even in extreme weather conditions.
Example: The Saildrone USV, initially developed for data collection, has also been used in SAR missions thanks to its robust design and long operational range.
Several nations, including United States, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil, are investing in unmanned maritime systems, including USVs, for a variety of purposes, including coastal defence, environmental monitoring, and logistics support.
Key U.S. Navy Efforts
The Ghost Fleet Overlord programme and the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) initiative are key U.S. Navy efforts integrating autonomous surface vessels into operations. The Ghost Fleet Overlord aims to create large USVs for roles like logistics, intelligence, surveillance, and combat.
Four prototypes — USV Ranger, USV Nomad, USV Mariner, and USV Vanguard — demonstrate the reliability of extended autonomous operations.
The NOMARS initiative, led by DARPA and L3Harris Technologies, designs a fully autonomous ship from the ground up, focusing on streamlined construction and advanced decision-making systems to reduce human control and maintenance. L3Harris has delivered over 125 unmanned vessels globally.
These programmes showcase the U.S. Navy’s strategic shift towards autonomous vessels, offering enhanced operational capabilities, cost efficiency, and mission flexibility.
Let’s take a closer look at a few USVs and related programmes that are set to reshape naval warfare:
Mission Ready Mantas T12
The U.S. Navy employs the MANTAS T12 USV for surveillance, mine countermeasures and data collection. At 12 feet (3.6 metres) with a 140 lb (64 kg) payload, it is designed for littoral operations and can be launched from ships, shore or boats. Powered by a sixth-generation all-electric propulsion system, the T12 provides clean, reliable and sustainable performance for extended missions. Equipped with advanced sensors, including EO/IR cameras, sonars and acoustic modems, it offers versatile operational capabilities. An optional ‘gator’ configuration allows for low-observable stealth operations.
Sea Hunter Showcase
The U.S. Navy showcased Sea Hunter, part of its Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) prototype fleet, during Los Angeles Fleet Week from May 22-27. Over 1,600 visitors toured Sea Hunter, including Christopher Diaz, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy.
Tours highlighted the USV’s deployment history and the mission of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron One. Last August, Sea Hunter joined three other USVs in Integrated Battle Program 23.2, transiting to Japan and Australia for testing.
T24 Maritime Workhorse
The T24 is a recent addition to the MARTAC’s Devil Ray Portfolio. Launched in April of 2023, it is quickly proving to be a highly stable platform capable of many different missions. With a length of 24 feet (7.2 m) and a beam of 10 feet (3.0 m), the T24 has a payload capacity of 1,800 lbs (817 kgs) making it a workhorse in unmanned maritime capability.
The T24 can be configured for either inboard/outboard powertrain options with either gas or diesel engines. This flexibility ensures adaptability to diverse operational requirements, allowing for a range of maritime missions and operating at high burst speeds of 60+ kts.
BAE Pacific Upgrade
BAE Systems has developed an advanced upgrade for its Pacific range of sea boats, providing unmanned capabilities for reconnaissance, maritime security, and manned boarding support while keeping crews safe.
The P950 features a lightweight composite sandwich construction of e-glass and carbon fibre for strength and durability. Developed with L3Harris and MSI Defence Systems, it includes automated navigational decision-making, allowing remote operators to focus on mission tasks.
Designed to retrofit existing Royal Navy Rigid Inflatable Boats, such as the Pacific 24, the P950 can operate for up to 10 days at 300 nautical miles or reach speeds of 45 knots.
Trials show its ability to conduct multi-phase missions, improve situational awareness, and support dynamic tasking, with applications in anti-piracy, border control and maritime security.
China’s Swarm Combat Innovation
China is investing heavily in unmanned technologies, with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) developing advanced USVs as part of its modernisation. Its first 200-tonne USV features stealth capabilities, far-sea operations, and swarm combat potential.
The 40-metre trimaran design achieves speeds over 20 knots and operates safely under sea states up to 6. The 100-tonne USV project began in 2015, focusing on high-sea cruising, low noise, stealth, and autonomous design, with innovations like hybrid integrated power, advanced sensing, and navigation control systems.
After successful autonomous trials near Panzhi Island in June 2022, the advanced vessel demonstrated impressive capabilities, including stealth and environmental awareness, highlighting China’s expertise in USV development.
Whale of Warfare
At the Zhuhai Airshow, the PLA Navy unveiled the Killer Whale, a new surface combatant similar in concept to the U.S. Navy’s Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship but smaller and potentially unmanned. Measuring 190 feet in length and displacing 300-500 tonnes, it boasts a maximum speed of 40 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Equipped with anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes, and a rear-deck drone helicopter, it reintroduces the modular mission package concept—allowing quick role changes for mine warfare, anti-submarine, and surface warfare. Designed for anti-submarine, surveillance, and air defence, Killer Whale is branded an “all-around warrior.”
Protector Platform
The Protector is a versatile unmanned surface vehicle (USV) developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. Operated remotely from shore or a manned vessel, it is used by the Israeli Navy, Singapore, Mexico, and other global navies for anti-piracy, maritime security, and surveillance.
The USV integrates systems like the Mini-Typhoon Stabilised Remote-Controlled Weapon System and Spike missile launcher. Deployed since 2005, it has supported coalition forces, countered piracy, and participated in demonstrations with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. In 2017, it successfully launched Spike missiles against targets, marking the first missile firing from a remote-controlled USV.
Seagull Strike Force
Developed by Elbit Systems, the Seagull USV supports naval missions like mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and electronic warfare. Featuring modular payloads with advanced sonars, it integrates multiple mission modes into one platform.
Fully autonomous, the 12-metre Seagull operates over four days at cruising speed, meets international maritime and Mil-Spec standards, and can be transported in a 40ft container. Made from composite and aluminium, it enables versatile operations with a single mission control system.
Minehunter Mission Master
The Inspector 125, Exail’s advanced multi-mission surface drone, is 12.3 m long with a composite hull designed for low acoustic and magnetic signatures while enduring underwater explosions.
Equipped with advanced sensors, including radar, infrared cameras, AIS, and Exail’s FLS-5 forward-looking sonar, it operates in two versions: USV125 with water jets for unmanned device deployment and USV125-S with propellers for mine-sweeping. It can function fully autonomously or under supervision during communication blackouts.
Deployed from a mother ship, the Inspector 125 launches the A18-M or T18-M for mine detection using synthetic aperture sonar. Equipped with GPS, inertial navigation, and Doppler systems, it maintains precise positioning. It can act as a communication relay, linking underwater vehicles and the mother ship. Once mines are identified using Seascan ROVs, the Inspector 125 concludes its mission, neutralising threats with advanced mine-clearance systems.
Sailing French Horizons
The French Navy is advancing its mine warfare capabilities through the SLAMF (Système de Lutte Anti-Mines Français) programme, focusing on unmanned systems for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations.
The programme adopts a phased approach, with initial development stemming from the joint French-UK MMCM programme, led by Thales. The first procurement phase includes four upgraded MCM modules known as Modules de Lutte Contre les Mines (MLCM), with plans to have eight MLCMs operational by 2035, as outlined in the Loi de Programmation Militaire (LPM) 2024-2030.
The second phase, launched at Euronaval 2024, marks the procurement of eight new-generation autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) through a contract with Thales and Exail. These AUVs will feature the A18-M design integrated with Thales’ SAMDIS 600 synthetic aperture sonar. SAMDIS 600 offers advanced multi-view sonar imaging, leveraging AI to enhance mine detection and classification efficiency. Exail will oversee the AUVs’ autonomous capabilities, ensuring operational stealth and precision.
The SLAMF programme is set to culminate by 2030 with a third increment focused on acquiring mothership complementary systems and integrating unmanned air systems into MCM operations.
The DriX USVs by Exail offer both remote-controlled and supervised autonomous operations, performing missions independently or under pilot supervision over visual range (Line of Sight) or beyond it (Over The Horizon). Equipped with a multi-channel communication system, DriX ensures reliable connectivity using 4G, Kongsberg Broadband Radio, Silvus Network Radio, WiFi, and Starlink satellite systems, maintaining performance even in remote conditions.
Advanced algorithms enable the DriX USVs to select optimal communication channels dynamically, ensuring efficient bandwidth use and mission success. The user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI) provides real-time monitoring with a graphical interface, allowing operators to plan, monitor, and control mission parameters seamlessly.
Strategic Waves Ahead
The rise of USVs marks a transformative shift in naval warfare, combining advanced technology with strategic innovation. These autonomous vessels execute surveillance, reconnaissance, mine clearance, and anti-submarine missions without risking human lives. Designed without the need for onboard living spaces, USVs save costs while enhancing combat capabilities.
Their ability to adopt innovative strategies—such as the ‘shark swarm’ tactic, coordinating multiple units to overwhelm a single target—highlights their tactical versatility.
The future belongs to these intelligent, advanced vessels, redefining the art of naval warfare.
This instalment of our Military Robotics series shifts focus to Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and their transformative potential in naval warfare.
USVs are revolutionising naval strategies with their advanced capabilities, including surveillance, mine detection, and combat operations.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics have propelled the development of these autonomous vessels, enabling them to perform specialised missions such as threat neutralisation and reconnaissance with remarkable precision.
By navigating dynamic sea environments with efficiency and adaptability, USVs are redefining the future of maritime conflict.
Sea drones offer a revolutionary balance of affordability and effectiveness, allowing smaller or less-resourced forces to counter superior naval powers with precision.
Challenges for Established Navies
The rise of unmanned sea drones presents both opportunities and challenges for traditional naval powers.
Advanced fleets face vulnerabilities to these low-cost, hard-to-detect platforms, with failure to adapt potentially leaving even well-equipped navies at a disadvantage. However, incorporating sea drones into traditional naval strategies offers immense potential, enabling navies to extend their operational reach while reducing risks to personnel.
Asymmetric Naval Warfare
Unmanned sea drones represent a natural progression in asymmetric naval strategies, challenging larger, more technologically advanced navies.
While cruise and ballistic missiles with hypersonic speeds once posed the primary threat, leading to defensive systems like the U.S. Navy’s Aegis, unconventional tactics have also exposed vulnerabilities. The 2000 attack on the USS Cole, using a small explosive-laden boat, highlighted the risks even for advanced fleets, underscoring the need for preparedness against diverse threats.
USVs bring transformative possibilities across a wide range of industries, including defence, security, environmental monitoring, and commercial operations. These vessels, which are either autonomous or remotely controlled, operate on the water’s surface without the need for onboard crew members.
They are poised to transform maritime operations with their groundbreaking capabilities.
Advantages of USVs
Cost Efficiency: USVs significantly reduce operational costs by eliminating the need for onboard crew, cutting expenses related to wages, accommodations, food, and safety measures. They generally require fewer resources for maintenance and have lower operational overhead compared to traditional vessels, making them a cost-effective alternative for long-term use.
Enhanced Safety: By removing human operators from dangerous environments, USVs mitigate risks faced by crews in scenarios such as adverse weather, combat zones, or piracy threats. In military applications, USVs are used for tasks like reconnaissance, mine sweeping, and surveillance, protecting human personnel from harm.
Example: The U.S. Navy’s Sea Hunter is an autonomous vessel designed for anti-submarine warfare, capable of conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions without endangering crew members.
Extended Operational Reach: USVs can operate in remote or challenging environments where crewed missions would be difficult or expensive. From deep-sea exploration to Arctic surveys and offshore inspections, they excel in tasks requiring endurance and autonomy in harsh conditions.
Example: The Seagull USV, developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, is designed for mine countermeasure missions and can operate in littoral and deep-sea environments.
Surveillance and Data Collection: Equipped with advanced sensors (e.g., radar, sonar, cameras, and environmental monitors), USVs collect critical real-time data for a range of applications. For instance, in environmental monitoring, they track ocean currents, water quality, and marine ecosystems. This makes them essential for climate research, fisheries management, and pollution control.
Example: The Wave Glider by Liquid Robotics is widely used for environmental monitoring, harnessing wave and solar energy for extended autonomous missions.
Improved Military and Defence Operations: USVs enhance military capabilities by providing real-time intelligence, mine detection, and anti-submarine warfare solutions. They can patrol large areas autonomously, reducing risks to human operators while increasing strategic flexibility.
Example: The C-Sweep and C-Hunter USVs, developed by Atlas Elektronik, are utilised for mine detection and neutralisation, supporting naval operations globally.
Autonomy and AI Integration: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning enable USVs to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, adapting to environmental changes, avoiding collisions, and making decisions without direct human input.
Example: The British Royal Navy’s MADFOX (Maritime Demonstrator for Operational Experimentation) USV leverages AI for decision-making in surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Scalability and Flexibility: USVs come in a range of sizes and capabilities, from small, low-cost platforms for environmental studies to larger, highly equipped vessels for defence and commercial tasks. Their modular design allows them to be tailored to specific missions, including coordinated fleet operations.
Example: The ACTUV programme by DARPA (later adopted as Sea Hunter) explores scalable fleets of USVs for autonomous naval operations.
Environmental Impact: USVs are often more sustainable than traditional vessels, with options to power them using renewable energy sources like solar or wind. Their smaller size and energy-efficient designs reduce fuel consumption and overall carbon footprint.
Example: The solar-powered AutoNaut USV has been employed for oceanic research missions, providing zero-emission operations.
Innovation in Commercial Shipping and Logistics: In commercial shipping, USVs have the potential to revolutionise cargo transport, particularly in less congested or inland waterways. They can assist with port operations, performing inspection, maintenance, and support tasks autonomously.
Example: The Yara Birkeland, though more of an autonomous electric container ship than a USV, highlights the integration of unmanned technologies in commercial shipping.
Search and Rescue Operations: USVs are increasingly used in search and rescue (SAR) operations, especially in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas. Equipped with sonar, infrared cameras, and other rescue tools, they locate missing persons or vessels efficiently, even in extreme weather conditions.
Example: The Saildrone USV, initially developed for data collection, has also been used in SAR missions thanks to its robust design and long operational range.
Several nations, including United States, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil, are investing in unmanned maritime systems, including USVs, for a variety of purposes, including coastal defence, environmental monitoring, and logistics support.
Key U.S. Navy Efforts
The Ghost Fleet Overlord programme and the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) initiative are key U.S. Navy efforts integrating autonomous surface vessels into operations. The Ghost Fleet Overlord aims to create large USVs for roles like logistics, intelligence, surveillance, and combat.
Four prototypes — USV Ranger, USV Nomad, USV Mariner, and USV Vanguard — demonstrate the reliability of extended autonomous operations.
The NOMARS initiative, led by DARPA and L3Harris Technologies, designs a fully autonomous ship from the ground up, focusing on streamlined construction and advanced decision-making systems to reduce human control and maintenance. L3Harris has delivered over 125 unmanned vessels globally.
These programmes showcase the U.S. Navy’s strategic shift towards autonomous vessels, offering enhanced operational capabilities, cost efficiency, and mission flexibility.
Let’s take a closer look at a few USVs and related programmes that are set to reshape naval warfare:
Mission Ready Mantas T12
The U.S. Navy employs the MANTAS T12 USV for surveillance, mine countermeasures and data collection. At 12 feet (3.6 metres) with a 140 lb (64 kg) payload, it is designed for littoral operations and can be launched from ships, shore or boats. Powered by a sixth-generation all-electric propulsion system, the T12 provides clean, reliable and sustainable performance for extended missions. Equipped with advanced sensors, including EO/IR cameras, sonars and acoustic modems, it offers versatile operational capabilities. An optional ‘gator’ configuration allows for low-observable stealth operations.
Sea Hunter Showcase
The U.S. Navy showcased Sea Hunter, part of its Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) prototype fleet, during Los Angeles Fleet Week from May 22-27. Over 1,600 visitors toured Sea Hunter, including Christopher Diaz, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy.
Tours highlighted the USV’s deployment history and the mission of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron One. Last August, Sea Hunter joined three other USVs in Integrated Battle Program 23.2, transiting to Japan and Australia for testing.
T24 Maritime Workhorse
The T24 is a recent addition to the MARTAC’s Devil Ray Portfolio. Launched in April of 2023, it is quickly proving to be a highly stable platform capable of many different missions. With a length of 24 feet (7.2 m) and a beam of 10 feet (3.0 m), the T24 has a payload capacity of 1,800 lbs (817 kgs) making it a workhorse in unmanned maritime capability.
The T24 can be configured for either inboard/outboard powertrain options with either gas or diesel engines. This flexibility ensures adaptability to diverse operational requirements, allowing for a range of maritime missions and operating at high burst speeds of 60+ kts.
BAE Pacific Upgrade
BAE Systems has developed an advanced upgrade for its Pacific range of sea boats, providing unmanned capabilities for reconnaissance, maritime security, and manned boarding support while keeping crews safe.
The P950 features a lightweight composite sandwich construction of e-glass and carbon fibre for strength and durability. Developed with L3Harris and MSI Defence Systems, it includes automated navigational decision-making, allowing remote operators to focus on mission tasks.
Designed to retrofit existing Royal Navy Rigid Inflatable Boats, such as the Pacific 24, the P950 can operate for up to 10 days at 300 nautical miles or reach speeds of 45 knots.
Trials show its ability to conduct multi-phase missions, improve situational awareness, and support dynamic tasking, with applications in anti-piracy, border control and maritime security.
China’s Swarm Combat Innovation
China is investing heavily in unmanned technologies, with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) developing advanced USVs as part of its modernisation. Its first 200-tonne USV features stealth capabilities, far-sea operations, and swarm combat potential.
The 40-metre trimaran design achieves speeds over 20 knots and operates safely under sea states up to 6. The 100-tonne USV project began in 2015, focusing on high-sea cruising, low noise, stealth, and autonomous design, with innovations like hybrid integrated power, advanced sensing, and navigation control systems.
After successful autonomous trials near Panzhi Island in June 2022, the advanced vessel demonstrated impressive capabilities, including stealth and environmental awareness, highlighting China’s expertise in USV development.
Whale of Warfare
At the Zhuhai Airshow, the PLA Navy unveiled the Killer Whale, a new surface combatant similar in concept to the U.S. Navy’s Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship but smaller and potentially unmanned. Measuring 190 feet in length and displacing 300-500 tonnes, it boasts a maximum speed of 40 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Equipped with anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes, and a rear-deck drone helicopter, it reintroduces the modular mission package concept—allowing quick role changes for mine warfare, anti-submarine, and surface warfare. Designed for anti-submarine, surveillance, and air defence, Killer Whale is branded an “all-around warrior.”
Protector Platform
The Protector is a versatile unmanned surface vehicle (USV) developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. Operated remotely from shore or a manned vessel, it is used by the Israeli Navy, Singapore, Mexico, and other global navies for anti-piracy, maritime security, and surveillance.
The USV integrates systems like the Mini-Typhoon Stabilised Remote-Controlled Weapon System and Spike missile launcher. Deployed since 2005, it has supported coalition forces, countered piracy, and participated in demonstrations with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. In 2017, it successfully launched Spike missiles against targets, marking the first missile firing from a remote-controlled USV.
Seagull Strike Force
Developed by Elbit Systems, the Seagull USV supports naval missions like mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and electronic warfare. Featuring modular payloads with advanced sonars, it integrates multiple mission modes into one platform.
Fully autonomous, the 12-metre Seagull operates over four days at cruising speed, meets international maritime and Mil-Spec standards, and can be transported in a 40ft container. Made from composite and aluminium, it enables versatile operations with a single mission control system.
Minehunter Mission Master
The Inspector 125, Exail’s advanced multi-mission surface drone, is 12.3 m long with a composite hull designed for low acoustic and magnetic signatures while enduring underwater explosions.
Equipped with advanced sensors, including radar, infrared cameras, AIS, and Exail’s FLS-5 forward-looking sonar, it operates in two versions: USV125 with water jets for unmanned device deployment and USV125-S with propellers for mine-sweeping. It can function fully autonomously or under supervision during communication blackouts.
Deployed from a mother ship, the Inspector 125 launches the A18-M or T18-M for mine detection using synthetic aperture sonar. Equipped with GPS, inertial navigation, and Doppler systems, it maintains precise positioning. It can act as a communication relay, linking underwater vehicles and the mother ship. Once mines are identified using Seascan ROVs, the Inspector 125 concludes its mission, neutralising threats with advanced mine-clearance systems.
Sailing French Horizons
The French Navy is advancing its mine warfare capabilities through the SLAMF (Système de Lutte Anti-Mines Français) programme, focusing on unmanned systems for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations.
The programme adopts a phased approach, with initial development stemming from the joint French-UK MMCM programme, led by Thales. The first procurement phase includes four upgraded MCM modules known as Modules de Lutte Contre les Mines (MLCM), with plans to have eight MLCMs operational by 2035, as outlined in the Loi de Programmation Militaire (LPM) 2024-2030.
The second phase, launched at Euronaval 2024, marks the procurement of eight new-generation autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) through a contract with Thales and Exail. These AUVs will feature the A18-M design integrated with Thales’ SAMDIS 600 synthetic aperture sonar. SAMDIS 600 offers advanced multi-view sonar imaging, leveraging AI to enhance mine detection and classification efficiency. Exail will oversee the AUVs’ autonomous capabilities, ensuring operational stealth and precision.
The SLAMF programme is set to culminate by 2030 with a third increment focused on acquiring mothership complementary systems and integrating unmanned air systems into MCM operations.
The DriX USVs by Exail offer both remote-controlled and supervised autonomous operations, performing missions independently or under pilot supervision over visual range (Line of Sight) or beyond it (Over The Horizon). Equipped with a multi-channel communication system, DriX ensures reliable connectivity using 4G, Kongsberg Broadband Radio, Silvus Network Radio, WiFi, and Starlink satellite systems, maintaining performance even in remote conditions.
Advanced algorithms enable the DriX USVs to select optimal communication channels dynamically, ensuring efficient bandwidth use and mission success. The user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI) provides real-time monitoring with a graphical interface, allowing operators to plan, monitor, and control mission parameters seamlessly.
Strategic Waves Ahead
The rise of USVs marks a transformative shift in naval warfare, combining advanced technology with strategic innovation. These autonomous vessels execute surveillance, reconnaissance, mine clearance, and anti-submarine missions without risking human lives. Designed without the need for onboard living spaces, USVs save costs while enhancing combat capabilities.
Their ability to adopt innovative strategies—such as the ‘shark swarm’ tactic, coordinating multiple units to overwhelm a single target—highlights their tactical versatility.
The future belongs to these intelligent, advanced vessels, redefining the art of naval warfare.
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