SOFINS 2025: France’s Zodiac Milpro and SeaOwl Unveil New Unmanned Rigid Inflatable Boat for Special Forces.

At the Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar (SOFINS) 2025 in Bordeaux, France, French defense manufacturers Zodiac Milpro International and SeaOwl unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in maritime security: a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) with integrated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) capabilities. Designed specifically for surveillance, reconnaissance, and interception missions, this hybrid vessel combines the tactical agility of a high-performance RIB with the operational autonomy of a naval surface drone, delivering unmatched flexibility for modern special operations forces.
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Zodiac Milpro and SeaOwl showcase their new hybrid manned and unmanned Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), known for its speed and agility, at SOFINS 2025. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

A Rigid Inflatable Boat, or RIB, is a lightweight, high-speed maritime vessel characterized by a solid hull and inflatable buoyancy tubes along its sides. Known for their excellent maneuverability, speed, and ability to operate in rough sea conditions, RIBs are a mainstay in the inventory of military and law enforcement agencies around the world. They are frequently deployed in missions ranging from search and rescue to coastal patrol, maritime interdiction, and the rapid insertion and extraction of special forces.

The new vessel developed by Zodiac Milpro and SeaOwl is notable not only for its French origin but also for the way it merges traditional manned operations with next-generation autonomous capabilities. Zodiac Milpro, headquartered in France, is a globally recognized leader in the design and manufacture of inflatable and semi-rigid boats for military and professional applications. With roots dating back to 1896, the company’s boats are used in a wide variety of defense missions including patrol and interception, boarding and assault, emergency response, and special operations. Zodiac Milpro also offers specialized training programs for military operators, conducted by former special forces and coastguard professionals, to ensure optimal performance and safety in the field.

SeaOwl, also based in France, is a key player in maritime security, logistics, and training services. In the defense sector, the company provides navy training support, military equipment qualification, target operations, and logistics assistance. It operates fully equipped “Plastron” vessels used by navies for a wide range of training scenarios, including anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and commando and helicopter training. SeaOwl is also active in unmanned systems development, offering USVs for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), facility protection, search and rescue, and environmental protection missions.

What sets this vessel apart is its dual-mode capability. In manned configuration, it serves as a high-speed platform for interception, boarding, or tactical insertion missions—perfect for special operations teams conducting visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) tasks or coastal reconnaissance. In its unmanned mode, the boat can be operated remotely, allowing it to perform dangerous or long-endurance missions without risking human lives. This duality enables rapid transitions between operational modes, empowering commanders with greater mission adaptability depending on the threat level and objectives.

For special forces, the potential applications of this platform are numerous and significant. It can be used to discreetly monitor hostile coastlines, provide remote perimeter defense around naval bases, or conduct maritime surveillance in contested waters. In critical scenarios, it enables special forces to gather intelligence autonomously before launching a manned follow-up operation. The vessel is also suited for force protection duties, facility security, and search and rescue missions in high-risk or inaccessible zones.

Technological sophistication is another key strength of the vessel. SeaOwl has recently partnered with Videosoft Global to integrate adaptive video compression systems that allow for encrypted, real-time video transmission with minimal bandwidth. This enhances situational awareness and command-and-control capabilities during unmanned operations, a crucial factor for both surveillance and tactical mission success.

Ultimately, the collaboration between Zodiac Milpro and SeaOwl reflects a broader shift in maritime defense toward hybrid, flexible platforms capable of responding to the multifaceted challenges of modern conflict. This new RIB-USV hybrid not only improves operational safety by reducing direct human exposure to danger but also enhances mission effectiveness through technological innovation and modular design. Its debut at SOFINS 2025 underscores France’s role at the forefront of defense innovation, particularly in providing advanced tools tailored to the dynamic needs of special operations forces.