Photo: Ministry of Defence of Singapore
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has deployed Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessels (MARSEC USVs) for operational patrols since January 2025, following a series of tests. These vessels operate alongside manned ships, including Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs), to strengthen surveillance...
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The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has deployed Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessels (MARSEC USVs) for operational patrols since January 2025, following a series of tests. These vessels operate alongside manned ships, including Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs), to strengthen surveillance and response capabilities in Singapore’s waters.
The MARSEC USVs provide an additional layer of security by patrolling and intervening when necessary. They enhance the RSN’s ability to monitor maritime activity and respond to potential threats while allowing other warships, such as LMVs, to focus on more complex missions further from Singapore. The USVs also conduct high-risk operations remotely, reducing exposure to potential dangers at sea.
Developed in collaboration with the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and DSO National Laboratories, the USVs incorporate advanced autonomous navigation technology designed for operations in congested waters. The vessels are equipped with a Collision Detection and Collision Avoidance (CDCA) system, which integrates navigation charts, the Maritime Automatic Identification System, and Differential Global Positioning System data with a rules-based algorithm. This system enables the USVs to navigate through busy maritime traffic while complying with international collision regulations.
The CDCA system underwent extensive testing, including simulated evaluations and sea trials, benchmarked against industry standards. Over 12 million kilometres of simulated distance were completed without collisions, equivalent to 26 years of real-world testing. Additionally, the USVs have accumulated more than 1,000 hours of autonomous operations without requiring human intervention. The RSN plans to continue refining these MARSEC USVs for broader security operations in Singapore’s waterways.
Each USV can be remotely operated by a two-person team. Its mission control system enables operators to plan patrols, track vessels of interest, and issue remote warnings or queries. Each vessel is 16.9 metres long, has a beam of 5.2 metres, and displaces 30 tonnes. It can exceed speeds of 25 knots and operate for more than 36 hours. Onboard equipment includes a navigation radar, strobe light and siren, searchlight, long-range acoustic device, stabilised 12.7mm weapon system with a laser dazzler, and global positioning system.
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