It will carry strike UAVs: MARS surface drone unveiled in UK
The British marine technology company SubSea Craft has presented its latest development – the MARS surface drone.
The UK Defense Journal reported that MARS has already been tested.
MARS is SubSea Craft’s second platform after the Victa vessel, which combines the capabilities of a speedboat and a submarine.
“At SubSea Craft we are proud to be representing the UK on the international stage in creating scalable technologies. These can be built and serviced in-country to boost both domestic maritime capabilities and the agility of our allies,” the company said.
The MARS surface drone is capable of conducting reconnaissance missions and carrying payloads, including combat payloads.
“Multi-domain payload delivery, including integration with kinetic and non-kinetic systems such as Anduril’s ALTIUS,” the company said.
ALTIUS is an American attack drone for destroying equipment.
The drone can be launched from aircraft, ground vehicles, and offshore platforms using a common launch tube or a pneumatic integrated launch system or other systems.
The MARS surface drone uses the same open architecture digital control system as SubSea Craft’s VICTA.
“MARS has emerged as a disruptive force for the modern battlespace,” said Penny Mordaunt, Chair of SubSea Craft and former UK Defence Secretary. “Its successful testing following an impressive turnaround from its ideation is testament to SubSea Craft’s cutting-edge approach to accelerated research, development and delivery.”
Maritime drones have become common in the world of defense technology and have been used by various armies for years. Their use is gaining momentum every year due to their cheapness and safety in use compared to manned vessels with similar tasks.
Recently, France has also taken up combat surface platforms. The French Navy successfully tested a naval strike drone, hitting a decommissioned ship during a military exercise. And in China, the Blue Whale research vessel was launched, which is capable of operating unmanned underwater. The drone is fully autonomous and can stay at sea for up to 30 days.
Source: Militarnyi
