SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV
The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
Piracy threats off the Horn of Africa have been suppressed but not eliminated, according to the Deputy Commander of EUNAVFOR, the European Union maritime force that patrols the region.
Brig Gen Dick Swijgman told the OPV14 conference in Dublin: ‘The international community must remain vigilant or piracy will return. EUNAVFOR remains part of an EU comprehensive approach to the Horn of Africa.’
That approach to the region, focused on Somalia, meant concentrating on elements such as economic development, education and humanitarian aid, in parallel with maintaining maritime security.
‘While there has been an improvement in the Somali government situation
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The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.