French-US partnership unveils fast autonomous interceptor

French defence and shipbuilding firm the CMN Group and US-based unmanned systems company Sea Machines Robotics have unveiled a new type of interceptor demonstrator vessel fitted with autonomous navigation technology.

The 32-metre-long unmanned craft was designed with the ability to execute autonomous transit missions and dynamic collision avoidance while being operated via over-the-horizon network connectivity almost anywhere in the world.

The vessel can reach speeds of over 45 knots and can conduct patrols lasting up to three days. Missions will include maritime security, search and rescue (SAR), insertion, surveillance, and protection of assets at sea.