The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has introduced its new Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessels (MARSEC USVs) to bolster maritime security in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Unmanned and equipped with advanced technology, these vessels are designed to intercept suspicious boats while keeping sailors out of harm’s way.
Unmanned Interception Operations
The MARSEC USV measures 16.9m and can travel at speeds exceeding 25 knots (approximately 46 km/h). With the ability to operate autonomously for over 36 hours, they provide persistent surveillance over Singapore’s maritime domain. This innovation allows the RSN to better monitor and respond in the busy Singapore Strait, where over 1,000 vessels navigate daily.
- First of Its Kind: The RSN’s USV technology represents a significant leap in maritime security capabilities.
- Operational Efficiency: Each USV requires only a two-man crew, compared to the 23 needed for a traditional Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV).
- Advanced Navigation: The vessels are equipped with a collision detection and avoidance system, designed specifically for Singapore’s unique maritime context.
Training and Personnel
The USVs are operated by National Servicemen who undergo a training process lasting two to three months. This includes mastering the unmanned systems interface and ensuring the vessel is fit for deployment.
According to Colonel Thung Yee Meng, commander of the sixth Flotilla fleet, the commitment to unmanned technology is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational capabilities and efficiency in a navy tasked with safeguarding a small nation’s waters.
Future Developments
Three of the four MARSEC USVs are already operational, with plans for further enhancements and testing. The technology is set to evolve continuously, allowing these vessels to undertake more comprehensive maritime security operations.
The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Defence Science Organisation (DSO) National Laboratories played pivotal roles in developing these USVs, showcasing Singapore’s capacity for innovation in national defence.