RMN maritime operations go high tech with USV acquisition
LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Navy today received an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) from US-based defence firm Swiftships.
The acquisition of the Swift Sea Stalker (S3) USV will bolster the navy's surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
"The vessel can also be equipped with armaments to serve as a deterrence.
"The introduction of the S3 opens up new opportunities for the RMN to explore additional unmanned platforms, aligning with the armed forces' vision, particularly under its Future Force development plan," the RMN said.
Present at the handover on the sidelines of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima '25) were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, his deputy Adly Zahari and ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.
The RMN was represented by its chief, Admiral Datuk Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, while Swiftships was represented by its executive vice-president Kristina Paskeviciute.
A USV is a remotely operated or autonomous vessel that operates on the surface of the water without any crew aboard.
These vessels are designed to perform a variety of missions, often in environments that are too dangerous, repetitive, or remote for manned operations.
USVs can be controlled from a distance or operate independently using pre-programmed instructions and on board sensors.
In military contexts, USVs are used for tasks such as maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, and even armed patrols.
They can be equipped with advanced sensors, communications systems and weaponry, depending on mission requirements.
For the RMN, USVs like the S3 serve as force multipliers, enhancing operational capabilities while minimising risk to personnel.
The RMN had previously operationalised unmanned systems through Squadron 601, which operates the ScanEagle unmanned aerial system (UAS) as a force multiplier in maritime operations.
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