The world’s most advanced unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was launched in Kuwait this week, as part of a $213 million contract for a state-of-the-art integrated maritime surveillance system, delivered by SRT Marine Systems and Ocean Infinity. It will provide ultra-high resolution, continuous surveillance of the marine domain, and enable real-time detection, tracking, and dynamic AI-driven detection of illegal, threatening, suspicious, and unsafe maritime activities.
The Kuwait Coast Guard contracted leading technology companies specializing in marine security and robotics, respectively, SRT Marine Systems and Ocean Infinity, in October 2024 to deliver ‘Project Vigilant’ – the world’s most sophisticated marine domain awareness (MDA) system. The USV ntegrates an array of new generation sensor systems such as specialist cameras, radars, and RF sensors, installed on static and mobile platforms, fully integrated with SRT Marine’s proprietary Dynamic AI-driven GeoVS MDA System platform.
Simon Tucker, CEO of SRT Marine Systems, said it’s a landmark project that empowers 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. It’s new fleet of groundbreaking USV’s which we created with our partners, Ocean Infinity, demonstrates the speed at which Kuwait is modernizing and investing in, adopting and deploying a new generation of marine technology.”
The ’Needlefish’
A key component of the Project is a new class of unmanned, remotely operated USV surveillance vessel called the ‘Needlefish’. It 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.
Futuristic System
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.
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.
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.
