Saronic unveils new autonomous surface ships (PHOTOS)

US-based start-up Saronic Technologies has announced the expansion of its family of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) with the addition of two new models, Mirage and Cipher.

To deliver on the need for a diverse range of autonomous platforms, Mirage and Cipher will be developed to extend the range and carrying capacity of Saronic’s offerings. The two new models will be designed to support a broad range of mission requirements for U.S. and allied maritime forces, as well as a myriad of applications for the commercial maritime industry.

^{Credit: Saronic Technologies}

Specifically, the 12-meter Mirage will have a range of over 2,000 nautical miles and a carrying capacity of 2,000 pounds. On the other hand, the 18.2-meter Cipher represents a significant leap forward, featuring a range exceeding 3,000 nautical miles and supporting a carrying capacity of 10,000 pounds, marking a major advancement in capability for its small ASV lineup.

Mirage and Cipher join Saronic’s Spyglass, Cutlass, and Corsair, as well as the recently introduced medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV), Marauder.

Mirage and Cipher will be built using Saronic’s vertically integrated approach, in which hardware, software, and autonomy are developed in-house. Furthermore, both platforms will be constructed around Saronic’s open, modular software architecture, designed to enable adaptability across a range of defense and commercial missions. This makes integrating new sensors, payloads, and technologies fast and straightforward — without requiring a reengineering of the core system, according to the firm.

“We are committed to advancing autonomous maritime capabilities that protect critical waterways, secure the maritime domain, and deliver lasting economic and security advantages to the U.S. and its allies,” said Saronic CEO Dino Mavrookas.

“The future of maritime dominance depends on the rapid adoption of these technologies — and achieving that future will require a diverse range of ASVs, from small vessels to larger systems designed to support existing and emerging critical mission needs.”

“Together with Spyglass, Cutlass, Corsair, and the recently announced Marauder MUSV, Mirage and Cipher will be optimized for scalable deployment across the full spectrum of maritime operations,” he concluded.

Earlier on, Saronic revealed plans for the construction of Port Alpha, a next-generation shipyard dedicated to building new classes of autonomous ships.