Navy deploys unmanned vessels to patrol Singapore’s waters

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SINGAPORE – A suspicious vessel has been detected in Singapore waters and a Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) vessel on patrol races alongside to intercept it, sirens blaring and voice commands over the loudspeakers order the suspect vessel to stop.

But there is no one on board the RSN vessel – a new maritime security unmanned surface vessel (Marsec USV) that has started patrols of Singapore’s waters in 2025.

This advanced vessel, however, is well-equipped to carry out calibrated responses against any potential threats.

Besides a long-range acoustic device to hail other vessels using sirens or to issue voice commands, it has a laser dazzler to disorient suspects and a machine gun that can be operated remotely by its operators ashore.

A live demonstration of the Marsec USV’s capabilities was conducted during a media briefing at Changi Naval Base on Feb 4.

Three of these vessels are already in service, conducting a variety of maritime security missions in Singapore’s waters together with the RSN’s other ships. A fourth will join the fleet later in 2025.

The USVs’ missions range from surveillance of the sea lanes around Singapore and escorting high-value ships, to investigating possible maritime threats.

The Marsec USV, measuring 16.9m long and weighing 30 tonnes, is powered by two diesel engines that drive a pair of water jets, enabling it to attain speeds in excess of 25 knots, or 46kmh, and to stay out at sea for as long as 36 hours.

It is operated by a two-man team from a shore-based control station, which represents a significant manpower savings compared with manned vessels.

“It goes beyond remote control and incorporates several autonomous functions in how it navigates and keeps clear of hazards in conducting its missions,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Thung Yee Meng, commander of the RSN’s 6th Flotilla which deploys the new vessels.

The Marsec USV is a groundbreaking system, he added, for its high level of autonomy in Singapore’s busy waters.

This is made possible by the USV’s advanced collision detection and collision avoidance system and an autonomous rules-based algorithm for navigation, both developed in Singapore by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).

The system leverages inputs from sensors like its on-board radar and cameras that provide 360-degree vision to assess surroundings, process information and recommend a safe course of travel in the busy waters around Singapore.

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