UK firms build World’s most advanced unmanned maritime surveillance and interception vessel for Kuwait Coast Guard. Last week, the world’s most advanced unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was launched in Kuwait as a part of a $213 million contract for a state-of-the-art integrated maritime surveillance system that will provide ultra-high resolution continuous surveillance of its entire marine domain. The system will enable real-time detection, tracking and Dynamic-AI driven detection of illegal, threatening, suspicious and unsafe maritime activities, from smuggling and piracy to national security, pollution and illegal fishing.
SRT Marine Systems, a leader in technologies for marine security, and Ocean Infinity, a company creating and using robotic technology to transform operations at sea, were contracted in October 2024 by the Kuwait Coast Guard, to deliver ‘Project Vigilant’, the world’s most sophisticated marine domain awareness (MDA) system. Driven by the vision of Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousuf Al Sabah, Commander of the Kuwait Coast Guard, the system integrates an array of new generation sensor systems such as specialist cameras, radars and RF sensors, installed on static and mobile platforms all fully integrated with SRT Marine’s proprietary Dynamic-AI driven GeoVS MDA System platform.
A key component of the Project is a new class of unmanned, remotely operated USV surveillance vessel called the ‘Needlefish’. The Needlefish is remotely controlled and directed from the command centres where it seamlessly integrates with the main surveillance system. 14 metres in length, 6 metres wide and powered by twin marine jet engines with its cutting-edge, ‘wave-slicing’ twin-hull design, the Needlefish can reach speeds of over 40MPH, making it the fastest and most nimble USV of its size. Continuous at sea duration is classified but is reliably put at multiple days, with a limitless range due to its remote control capabilities. Needlefish is fitted with an array of sophisticated sensor systems, such as radar and cameras, which stream directly into the surveillance system and merge with other static systems to provide a complete maritime picture.
A fleet of four Needlefish will be operating across Kuwait’s national waters, undertaking multiple missions. From interception and close surveillance of suspicious detected vessels, to search and rescue, escorting, active deterrence, fisheries patrol, covert surveillance, pollution detection and policing and sea-bed mapping.
Helping to enhance Kuwait’s national security, maritime safety, security, environmental protection and sustainability, the Needlefish carries live stream cameras, radar and other sensors which send reconnaissance data back to the central command system where the data is integrated into a central surveillance and intelligence system.
Project Vigilant is deploying SRT’s proprietary SRT-MDA System, which is a fusion of SRT’s unique GeoVS software and multiple surveillance systems. Operators working in multiple command centres will have total vision across the Kuwait marine domain, 24-hours a day and in all weathers, with the benefit of GeoVS’s configurable Dynamic-AI that provides enhanced detection of all types of maritime activity and events at a mass scale but also at a granular level. The system will enable a transition into an efficient and effective, fully digital intelligence-led operational doctrine.
The Needlefish is a crucial aspect in such a futuristic system and is the product of a collaboration between the Kuwait Coast Guard, SRT Marine Systems and Ocean Infinity. Built in complete secrecy at two UK shipyards, the fleet of four USV’s were flown out of West Midlands airport to Kuwait on two chartered Antonov’s, being the only aircraft worldwide large enough to accommodate the vessels.
Kuwait is modernising at pace and its economy is rapidly transforming as the government seeks to implement reforms to accelerate development of all sectors and improve the living standard, safety and security for all Kuwaiti’s. According to recent reporting by Global Finance*, Kuwait has $121 billion worth of planned infrastructure projects in the pipeline, covering housing, roads, rail and utilities.
Commenting on the launch of the Needlefish USV, CEO of SRT Marine Systems, Simon Tucker, commented:
“I am grateful for the vision of the Kuwait Coast Guard, who bravely embarked on a best-in-class maritime surveillance system project and helped pave the way for a new generation of civil defence maritime USV systems. This is a hugely exciting day for all of us involved in the deployment of this phase in the landmark project, empowering Kuwait with world-leading maritime surveillance capabilities.
“In a single leap, Kuwait has become a global leader in maritime surveillance, leading the way in demonstrating globally what can be achieved. Its new fleet of ground-breaking USV’s which we created with our partners, Ocean Infinity, demonstrates the speed at which Kuwait is modernising and investing in, adopting and deploying a new generation of marine technology.”
Further details/overview of the contract:
- Network of specialist surveillance tower systems along Kuwait’s coast and remote islands – each equipped with multiple state-of-the-art maritime sensor systems – and all integrated within a specialist surveillance system. These enable detection of anything moving on the water in their marine territory, from a person in the water, a periscope, an oil slick, small boats.
- A fleet of high-speed USV to investigate events quickly and up close, to escort vessels, and have an active patrol deterrence. They will also map the seabed as they roam.
- A new network of 100 navigation aids – large buoys that direct ships and indicate hazards, all fully digitised.
- A network of integrated command centres across the country in which all this data flows, is analysed and visualised and from which command and control is conducted in true real time. The command and control is also fully digital.
- Key functionalities :
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- Security – protection of critical surface, coastal and subsea infrastructure, detection of border incursions
- Illegal Activities – detection and AI-based prediction of all different types of illegal activities – smuggling, weapons, drugs, people, piracy.
- Safety – automatic detection and alert ahead of time for collisions, unsafe weather, etc.
- Search & Rescue – precise location and characterisation of a SAR event enables the right response to be sent without the delay of having to ‘find’ the event.
- Environment – maritime aquatic health monitoring to dynamically detect areas under pressure and assign as marine protected areas based on science. Intelligent science based fisheries regulation.