Swiftships, a Louisiana-based shipbuilder, has introduced its latest maritime innovation—a small Unmanned Surface Vehicle (sUSV) known as the Swift-Sea-Stalker (S3).
Equipped with four AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM), this naval drone represents a significant advancement in the unmanned maritime capabilities of the U.S. Navy.
The S3 was showcased during the Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) 24-2 event at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, which runs from August 17 to 29. T-REX is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s initiative to rapidly integrate new joint capabilities across the services. This particular event saw collaboration with the Indiana National Guard, providing essential tactical and operational space at Camp Atterbury’s training grounds.
Designed for surveillance and interdiction missions, the S3 USV is tailored to operate in challenging waterways found in conflict zones, including the Horn of Africa and South China Sea regions. The S3 can be remotely operated or function autonomously, offering flexibility and efficiency in maritime operations.
The drone boasts a top speed exceeding 30 knots, an effective range of 1,000 nautical miles, and an endurance of 40 hours, allowing for prolonged operational capabilities. These features enable partner nations to effectively monitor and respond to threats along their coastlines, enhancing maritime security.
Swiftships recently secured a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to produce the S3 USV. “We are proud to support the US DoD mission to safeguard its waters and protect vital maritime interests,” the company stated. “The delivery of the S3 USVs represents a significant step forward in advancing future maritime security objectives.”