Australia-US duo set to unveil ‘innovative’ autonomous naval attack vessel

US defense company Eureka Naval Craft and Australian marine autonomy specialist Greenroom Robotics are set to unveil what they describe as ‘the most advanced autonomous naval attack vessel ever designed’.

The new vessel AIRCAT Bengal MC (module carrier) is a 36-meter multi-mission surface effect ship (SES) being developed by Eureka and ESNA Naval Architects with autonomy and AI software supplied by Greenroom.

The unit features an innovative design, and, according to Eureka Naval Craft’s CEO, Bo Jardine, it is the first autonomous naval vessel in the world to be able to carry a 40-tonne payload (2 X 40 ISO Footprint modules) with a top speed of more than 50 knots, payload depending, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles. The vessel’s hull shape has been optimized for reduced drag, allowing it to operate at higher speeds while consuming less fuel.

The ship can be used as a troop transport vessel, landing support craft, electronic warfare platform, drone mothership and for mine laying and counter-mine warfare.

As revealed by Jardine, the vessel will be offered to the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and navies allied to the US, including AUKUS and NATO countries, as well as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.

“This is a high-speed, high- tech ship able to operate crewed and uncrewed. It is further bristling with lethality and can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and anti-ship Naval Strike Missiles (NSM). This ‘force projection’ capability is very important as it de-risks the reliance on much bigger, more expensive crewed warships to fire missiles,” he added.

Greenroom Robotics CEO James Keane nted AIRCAT Bengal MC will have the most advanced autonomous navigation system in the world and software tooling enhancing humans through all phases of operations.

Keane said Greenroom’s software integration will ensure that the AIRCAT Bengal MC remains ahead of evolving maritime threats.

Specialised software for humans-in-the-loop will enhance the human-machine team through all phases of AIRCAT Bengal MC operations.

The autonomous AIRCAT Bengal MC will join Eureka’s fleet of AIRCAT vessels including the Bengal, Lynx, Jaguar, and Panther, each tailored to specific missions ranging from fast attack, reconnaissance, rescue, high-speed troop transport, and unmanned logistics.