US military to test new Red Cat unmanned surface vessel in August
An artist’s concept of Red Cat’s 7 metre USV (Photo: Red Cat)
Red Cat, a Puerto Rico-based supplier of drones for military and law-enforcement purposes, has confirmed to Shephard that the US military will test the first unmanned surface vessel (USV) built by the company in August. Currently under development, the new capability will mark Red Cat’s entrance into the maritime uncrewed market.
Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson told Shephard the supplier would build test boats “in about a month” and demonstrated them “pretty extensively” to a DoD-related organisation.
The 7 metre platform will enter production in the third quarter of this year. According to Red Cat, it will feature a modular architecture to support
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
CUAS and satellite capabilities to be among US Coast Guard’s acquisition priorities in FY2026
The Secretary of Homeland Security said the branch needed “counter-UAS technology in every cutter”.
-
Fincantieri’s Vulcano Class: a new era of versatility and innovation in naval operations
Logistic support ships (LSS) are essential for sustained naval operations, especially during extended deployments far from home ports.
-
Australian navy commissions two additional Austal-built patrol boats
Despite bolstering its patrol fleet with new Evolved Cape-class vessels, the Royal Australian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel programme remains mired in delays, indecision and criticism over underwhelming capabilities.
-
Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider
The glider, named SG-1 Fathom, has been designed to be scalable and affordable, and can be deployed for up to three months at a time, according to Helsing.
-
US Coast Guard faces the “greatest readiness challenge since World War II”, says Homeland Security Secretary
The service currently has diverse problems in its procurement programmes and capability gaps in its inventory, writes Shephard’s North America editor Flavia Camargos Pereira.
-
Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system
A total of 28 active surface ships will receive the upgrades to their weaponry to help them combat the growing threat from UAVs.