US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The US Navy has successfully completed acceptance trials of its Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Tulsa, the navy announced on 15 March.
The ship underwent a series of in-port and underway demonstrations for the navy's Board of Inspection and Survey. During trials, the navy conducted comprehensive tests, intended to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling abilities and auxiliary systems.
The ship successfully demonstrated its bow thruster, twin boom extensible crane operations with 11m rigid-hull inflatable boat, completed surface and air self-defence detect-to-engage exercises and demonstrated handling and maneouverability through high-speed steering and anchor operations.
The vessel will be commissioned into service following delivery, an industrial post-delivery availability and a post-delivery availability that is focused on crew training, certifications and familiarisation exercises.
Tulsa is a modular, reconfigurable ship designed to meet validated fleet requirements for surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures missions in the littoral region.
The ship will be homeported in San Diego with other Independence class ships.
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.
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.