Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
The Hellenic Navy has placed an order for 11 METIS RIBs from Viking Life-Saving Equipment.
The boats will be supplied by the company’s Greek branch, Viking Norsafe Life-Saving Equipment Hellas. They will be manufactured at a facility in Thiva.
The SAR craft will be delivered in summer 2020 and they will gradually replace boats used on larger vessels, including the MEKO-type frigates.
Endre Eidsvik, VP Sales & Service of Viking Norsafe Life-Saving Equipment Hellas, said: ‘Being based on the very successful Viking Norsafe METIS family of RIBs, these boats are easy to launch, highly manoeuvrable and versatile, and the ideal support tool for SAR operations.’
METIS RIB can reach speeds of 30kt when fully loaded and includes state-of-the-art navigation systems. It is powered by a single engine and is between 6m and 7m in length.
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
From FY2026 to FY2029, the OPC programme will receive funds from the Reconciliation Bill and the Coast Guard annual budget.
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.