Dutch builder unveils naval drone carrier designs

Netherlands-based the Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled two new naval ship designs capable of launching and recovering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as manned helicopters and boats.

The vessels designated by Damen as multi-purpose support ships (MPSS) were designed with the cooperation of the Portuguese Navy, which will be the launch customer of the new series.

The ships will be available in 7,000-tonne and 9,000-tonne variants. Both will feature military-class electrical, communications, and navigation equipment, though commercial off-the-shelf technology will also be installed.

Damen said each MPSS can be applied to a wide range of duties including managing UAVs and unmanned surface and undersea vehicles, conducting amphibious support, emergency/disaster relief, search and rescue, diving support, performing submarine rescue operations, and helicopter operations.