Israeli USV programme hits the rocks

14th April 2020 - 15:00 GMT | by Arie Egozi in Tel Aviv

RSS

The Israeli Navy has terminated a programme to use unarmed and armed unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for maritime patrol missions.

Unmanned underwater systems remain under evaluation, but there is no alternative plan for Israel to deploy unmanned surface assets.

This poses a problem for Israeli companies that developed unmanned patrol boats in recent years. Examples include the Protector from Rafael, Seagull from Elbit and Katana (pictured above) from IAI Ramta.

Protector has been in operational service since 2004 and the USV has been used to test-fire Rafael Spike missiles. Undisclosed numbers of Protectors are in service with Israel, Mexico, …

Want to read more?

To read this article, along with thousands of others like it, start your Premium News free trial.

Start Trial or log in here

More from Unmanned Vehicles

Insitu Pacific continues ScanEagle sustainment

Three-year extension continues maintenance and training support for the ScanEagle UAS in Australia.
Argentina unveils new electric UAVs

Argentina has shown off two new electric propulsion training UAVs during a visit to Chamical Military Air Base by Jorge Taiana, the country's minister of defence.
Spain still to sign off on Eurodrone full development contract

The much delayed Eurodrone Stage 2 development contract looks set for signature in 'the coming months,' according to Airbus.
Rheinmetall poised to acquire UAV manufacturer

Acquisition of EMT (pending regulatory approval) expands Rheinmetall’s activities in the UAS sector.
Double UAS contract win for General Atomics

GA-ASI wins extra work for Belgian SkyGuardians and will provide Gray Eagles to US Army.
Norway seeks bids for SkyRanger R70 support

Norwegian Coast Guard intends to issue a three-year contract for support of its six SkyRanger R70 UASs.