Turning point: Singapore's unmanned surveillance at sea

As a result of its maritime security efforts on its doorstep and a year-long development process, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has been patrolling the strategically important strait with new unmanned surface vehicles (USV) since January 2025.

The USVs can carry out patrols, monitor suspicious ships and take action if necessary - all in one of the world's busiest waterways. Around 1,000 ships pass through the Singapore Strait every day - this requires continuous monitoring. By using USV, the RSN can free up its manned vessels for more complex missions in the coastal apron and beyond.

Marsec-USV Singapore. Photo: Screenshot www.dsta.gov.sg

Equipment

Equipped with modern technology, including navigation radars, electro-optical sensors and a specially developed collision avoidance algorithm (CDCA - Collision Detection and Collision Avoidance), they set new standards in autonomous shipping. Officially referred to as USV MARSEC (Maritime Security), the drones were developed by the Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the city state's Defense Science Organisation (DSO). The unmanned vehicles are characterised by their compact design: With a length of 16.9 metres, a width of 5.2 metres and a displacement weight of around 30 tonnes, they impress with their manoeuvrability and robustness. A maximum speed of over 25 knots and an operating time of 36 hours enable the drones to operate independently even in dense and dynamic shipping traffic. They are precisely controlled from a central command centre on land, with a special mission preparation system enabling the rapid planning of patrol profiles and the tracking of target ships.

The USVs use an autonomous navigation system that combines traditional maritime sensors such as radars and the automatic identification system (AIS) with the latest algorithms. This technology ensures that the drones are controlled in accordance with international regulations for avoiding collisions at sea. In order to be able to react flexibly to potential threats, they are equipped with a remote-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun station, an ultrasonic system (LRAD) and light and siren systems.

Autonomous, persistent and clever too

The MARSEC-USV surface drone can be operated with a crew of just two. It is able to navigate autonomously while the operational systems, e.g. acoustic warnings, are controlled remotely. The design of the Unmanned Systems Mission Control allows operators to quickly plan and execute patrol profiles, track conspicuous vessels at sea and remotely warn, interrogate and investigate them (visually). The integration of artificial intelligence via the operations centre offers further development potential.

An essential part of the development was the extensive verification and validation of the systems. According to the Singaporean Ministry of Defence, the CDCA algorithm was tested in simulations over 12 million kilometres to ensure its reliability. In addition, over 1,000 hours of autonomous operations were carried out in real-life conditions, without human intervention.

Marsec-USV Singapore. Photo: DSTA

International experts from various countries advised on the verification and validation procedures to ensure that the CDCA algorithm also meets international standards. The knowledge gained should also contribute to the further development of other unmanned platforms in the future - for example in air and underwater technology. The combination of robotics and AI opens up new perspectives in the early detection of threats, which is of enormous importance in geopolitically sensitive regions.

A prime example of modern marine equipment

The MARSEC-USV is a prime example of modern maritime technology. Its development, system integration and testing demonstrate how innovative algorithms, modern sensor technology and global cooperation can work together to overcome asymmetric challenges in the maritime environment in particular. These drones make a significant contribution to minimising risks and increasing the effectiveness of maritime surveillance. For Singapore, in its geographical location as a crucial hub of global trade, these UAVs represent a significant gain in security.

Every shadow tanker in the Baltic Sea should have such a "mate"! We should make a deal - against German submarines!

Addendum dated 31/03/2025 by the editor:

Due to a number of enquiries from readers regarding the last comment in the article, here is a clarification.