US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The US Coast Guard has issued two delivery orders, worth a combined total of approximately $2.74 million, to SAFE Boats International for the supply of seven Over the Horizon IV (OTH-IV) cutter boats, the agency announced on 11 October.
The orders include trailers and familiarisation training. The 26ft boats have a maximum speed of 40kt. Improvements over previous boats include increased cargo space and seating, higher speeds and compatibility with both stern and side-davit launch and recovery systems.
The order brings the total number of OTH-IVs ordered to date to 103; the seven under the most recent order are scheduled for delivery starting in early 2019. Two of the cutter boats are planned for the eighth national security cutter, Midgett, and the other five are slated for fast response cutters.
The OTH-IV is the coast guard’s standard cutter boat to prosecute over the horizon missions with two assigned to each national security cutter, and one assigned to each fast response cutter and medium endurance cutter.
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.