Articles tagged with "maritime-security"
World's smallest drone-killing missile to get new European launcher
British defense firm Babcock International and Estonian startup Frankenburg Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop a containerized missile launcher system aimed at countering low-cost, one-way attack drones threatening ships and coastal infrastructure. Engineering will be led from the UK, with the goal of creating a sovereign, rapidly deployable maritime air defense capability. The system will combine Babcock’s naval integration expertise with Frankenburg’s low-cost missile technology, featuring a modular design that can be quickly installed on various vessels or fixed sites without major modifications. At the core of the project is Frankenburg’s Mark 1 missile, touted as the world’s smallest guided missile at about 60 cm in length. Designed for mass production using commercial components, the solid-fuel rocket-powered missile is optimized for short-range air defense and can be produced up to 100 times faster and at roughly one-tenth the cost of conventional alternatives. Frankenburg demonstrated a successful “hard-kill” intercept of a fast-moving aerial
robotdefense-technologydrone-countermeasuresmissile-systemsunmanned-aerial-vehiclesmaritime-securitymilitary-innovationSkana's new AI lets underwater robots talk securely over long distance
Skana Robotics, an Israeli startup founded in 2024, has developed an AI-driven communication system that enables underwater autonomous vessels to securely exchange data over long distances without surfacing, addressing a critical challenge in maritime operations. Traditionally, underwater robots rely on surfacing to communicate due to the poor transmission of radio waves underwater and the limitations of acoustic signals, which exposes them to detection and risk. Skana’s solution, integrated into its SeaSphere fleet management platform, allows fleets of autonomous vessels to share information, interpret it, and coordinate actions in near real-time, enhancing operational security and responsiveness in both military and civilian maritime contexts. The AI system, led by Professor Teddy Lazebnik, deliberately avoids trendy large language models or deep learning approaches in favor of mathematically grounded, explainable algorithms that prioritize predictability and reliability over flashy performance. This design choice is crucial for defense and safety-critical missions where understanding autonomous behavior is essential. Skana’s technology supports coordinated decision-making among vessels without human intervention, enabling
underwater-robotsautonomous-vesselsAI-communicationmaritime-securityrobotic-submersiblesfleet-managementunderwater-communicationChina unveils ‘world’s first’ autonomous drone that can hunt submarines: Report
China has unveiled the Wing Loong X, a large autonomous drone showcased at the Dubai Airshow 2025, which it claims to be the world’s first unmanned aerial vehicle capable of fully independent anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The drone features a wingspan of over 20 meters, can operate autonomously for up to 40 hours at altitudes of up to 10,000 meters, and is equipped to deploy sonobuoys—floating sensors that detect submarines underwater. Unlike traditional manned ASW aircraft, the Wing Loong X reportedly uses onboard AI to analyze acoustic data, classify targets, and can carry lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes to engage threats autonomously. If these claims hold true, the Wing Loong X could significantly enhance China’s maritime surveillance and control, especially in contested areas like the South China Sea, by enabling persistent, cost-effective submarine detection and engagement without the need for expensive manned aircraft. However, the use of AI for autonomous target identification
robotautonomous-droneunmanned-aerial-vehicleAIanti-submarine-warfaremilitary-technologymaritime-securityRussian spy ship beamed lasers on UK military aircraft: Britain
The UK’s Defense Secretary John Healey revealed that a Russian intelligence-gathering ship, the Yantar, operating near the northern coast of Scotland, targeted Royal Air Force Poseidon P-8 maritime patrol aircraft with lasers while conducting surveillance on critical undersea infrastructure, including energy and communications cables linking the UK and NATO allies. The Yantar remained just outside British territorial waters but within the exclusive economic zone. This incident marks the first documented case of Russian forces directing lasers at UK military aircraft, prompting the UK to tighten naval rules of engagement and prepare military options should the vessel approach sensitive areas. Russia’s embassy in London denied the allegations, describing the Yantar as an oceanographic research vessel operating only in international waters and accusing Britain of escalating tensions through “Russophobic” rhetoric. British officials view the Yantar’s activities as part of a broader pattern of Russian hostile actions near NATO territory, including drone incursions and sabotage attempts in Europe. Healey emphasized that despite these threats, the UK remains committed to
energyundersea-cablessurveillancemilitary-technologyespionagemaritime-securitydefense-systemsUK to test 5,500-ton robot minehunting vessel in underwater operations
The British Royal Navy's new mine-hunting vessel, HMS Stirling Castle, has successfully completed sea trials and arrived at its homeport in Portsmouth. The ship, weighing approximately 5,500 tons, is designed to lead underwater mine countermeasure operations using remotely operated and autonomous systems managed by the Mine Threat Exploitation Group. During trials off the coasts of England and Scotland, the vessel's propulsion, power generation, heavy lift crane, medical, and damage-control systems were rigorously tested to meet demanding operational standards. HMS Stirling Castle will join the Portsmouth-based Mine Countermeasure Squadron 2, complementing smaller Hunt-class minehunters, and contribute to broader maritime security efforts around the UK. The ship’s commanding officer, Commander Phil Harper, highlighted the extensive preparation involved in transitioning the vessel from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to active Royal Navy service. Moving forward, Stirling Castle will play a pivotal role in advancing minehunting tactics under the Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability Programme, which
robotautonomous-systemsminehunting-vesselunderwater-operationsnaval-technologyremote-operated-vehiclesmaritime-securityLaser weapon that can be upgraded to 100-kilowatt delivered to Germany
A 20-kilowatt laser weapon demonstrator capable of neutralizing enemy drones has been delivered to Germany, marking a significant advancement in high-energy laser systems for maritime defense. Developed jointly by Rheinmetall and MBDA, the containerized system has undergone over 100 successful firing tests under real operational conditions, including a year-long trial aboard the German frigate SACHSEN. The demonstrator is now stationed at the Laser Competence Center in Meppen for further land-based drone defense testing and is expected to be operationally deployed by 2029. The laser weapon system offers precise and cost-effective countermeasures against small, fast-moving targets such as drones, drone swarms, and speedboats, complementing traditional cannons and guided missiles. Its scalable architecture currently operates at 20 kilowatts but is designed to be upgraded to exceed 100 kilowatts, enabling it to engage larger threats including supersonic guided missiles, rockets, mortar, and artillery shells. The system integrates advanced
energylaser-weaponhigh-energy-laserdefense-technologydrone-defensemaritime-securityRheinmetallChina's new drone submersible can evade enemy sonar detection
China has developed advanced unmanned underwater submersibles featuring zero-radius turning capability, enabling them to maneuver effectively in complex maritime environments while operating below 90 decibels to evade enemy sonar detection. These submersibles, showcased during the September 3 military parade in Beijing, can be integrated with submarine-launched missiles, smart mines, and “mother-daughter” unmanned vehicles to form multilayered strike networks. They are designed for covert deployment to blockade shipping lanes, autonomously identify targets, and execute saturation attacks, with expected long endurance and future integration with underwater charging stations. The new underwater systems are part of a broader expansion of China’s naval arsenal, which includes unmanned surface vessels and minelaying systems capable of coordinated operations through artificial intelligence, enabling three-dimensional coordination with aerial drones. These unmanned platforms can autonomously assess threats and make decisions in complex maritime settings, potentially reshaping naval warfare and maritime conflict by enabling swarm tactics for sea control. Central to this capability is the AJ
robotunmanned-vehiclesautonomous-systemsunderwater-dronesmilitary-technologyartificial-intelligencemaritime-securityBlue Water Autonomy nets $50M to build autonomous ships
Blue Water Autonomy, a Boston-based company specializing in unmanned ships for the U.S. Navy, has raised $50 million in Series A funding, bringing its total capital raised to $64 million following a $14 million seed round in April 2025. The company plans to build and deploy its first long-range, full-sized autonomous ship next year. Since its seed round, Blue Water Autonomy has significantly expanded its team, conducted on-water engineering tests, and begun sourcing materials from over 50 suppliers. CEO Rylan Hamilton emphasized the urgent need for autonomous ships tailored for maritime security and logistics, highlighting the company’s focused strategy on perfecting a single platform to ensure quality, reliability, and rapid market entry. The funding round was led by GV, with participation from existing investors Eclipse, Riot, and Impatient Ventures, and GV Managing Partner Dave Munichiello joining Blue Water’s Board of Directors. Blue Water Autonomy aims to address the growing challenge posed by China’s dominant shipbuilding capacity
robotautonomous-shipsmaritime-securityunmanned-surface-vesselsAI-integrationnaval-technologyshipbuildingUS fears Iran could use mine-loaded vessels to choke Strait of Hormuz
US intelligence has assessed that Iran may be preparing to block the Strait of Hormuz by deploying naval mines on vessels in the Persian Gulf, following Israel’s missile strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites in mid-June 2025. Although the mines were not deployed in the water, the preparations appeared deliberate and credible, raising concerns about potential disruption to a critical maritime chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. The US detected the mine loading via satellite and human intelligence but remains uncertain about the timing or current status of the mines on Iranian ships. In response to the strikes, Iran’s parliament passed a symbolic resolution supporting the closure of the Strait, reflecting domestic pressure, though the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which has not acted. Historically, Iran has threatened but never executed a closure of the strait. The US maintains naval presence through its Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain and credits recent operations, including Operation Midnight Hammer, with preserving freedom of navigation
energymaritime-securitynaval-minesStrait-of-Hormuzoil-supplymilitary-technologygeopolitical-riskThe Strait Of Hormuz Puts A Spotlight On Renewable Energy - CleanTechnica
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically critical narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is bordered by Iran to the north and Oman to the south, and serves as a vital transit route for about 20% of the world’s oil and methane energy exports. Nearly all Persian Gulf bordering countries are major oil producers, making the strait a crucial global energy chokepoint. The International Maritime Organization enforces a Traffic Separation Scheme within the strait, but these shipping lanes lie entirely within Iranian or Omani territorial waters, giving Iran significant leverage to disrupt tanker traffic in times of conflict. Iran, while dependent on oil exports passing through the strait for its national income, has developed asymmetric naval capabilities—including fast armed speedboats, anti-ship missiles, naval mines, and drones—to challenge larger naval powers like the US. Additionally, Iran has reportedly interfered with GPS signals used by ships, causing navigational errors and incidents such as recent tanker collisions.
energyrenewable-energyStrait-of-Hormuzoil-transportationmaritime-securityGPS-interferenceglobal-energy-supplySaildrone brings in $60M to expand European maritime presence - The Robot Report
robotmaritime-autonomyuncrewed-surface-vehiclesAI-algorithmsmaritime-securitycritical-infrastructureEuropean-operations