Qatar's Performance Marine unveils Ghost 7 USV for armed and reconnaissance missions at DIMDEX 2026.

Performance Marine introduced the seven-meter Ghost 7 unmanned surface vessel at DIMDEX 2026 in Doha, confirming its entry into the compact USV segment.

On January 19, 2026, at DIMDEX 2026 in Doha, Qatari shipbuilder Performance Marine unveiled the Ghost 7 unmanned surface vessel. The seven-meter USV is scheduled to enter sea trials during 2026 as part of a proof-of-concept phase. The company stated that initial operational use is planned for a Qatari customer, with export discussions underway in the Gulf region.
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The Ghost 7 USV was shown in two main configurations at DIMDEX 2026; the first variant is oriented toward naval combat, while the second focuses on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The unveiling marked the public introduction of a new USV intended to move into sea trials during 2026 as part of a proof-of-concept and testing phase. Company leadership stated that the testing sequence is intended to lead first to a local Qatari end user before broader operational uptake. At the same time, Performance Marine confirmed that Ghost 7 is aimed at export markets, with active discussions ongoing with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, and with further outreach planned at the World Defense Show in Riyadh.

The Ghost 7 was shown in two main configurations at DIMDEX, reflecting a modular approach intended to support different mission profiles without changing the core hull. One configuration is oriented toward naval combat missions, while the second focuses on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles. According to the company, both configurations share the same seven-meter hull and baseline systems, with mission equipment adapted to customer needs. This approach allows the vessel to be configured for armed patrol, deterrence, or surveillance tasks depending on operational requirements, while maintaining common propulsion, control, and support systems across variants.

In its combat configuration, the Ghost 7 was displayed with a deterrence turret integrating multiple sensors and effectors intended for maritime security and asymmetric warfare scenarios. The fitted equipment included long-range optronic sensors, a high-power search light, a dazzling laser, radar, and an optical detection AIS transponder for target identification. The combat setup also incorporated a remote weapon station and an APKWS laser-guided rocket launcher. Company representatives stressed that this configuration is modular and subject to individual customer requests, meaning weapon and sensor combinations can be adjusted without redesigning the vessel.

The ISR configuration retains the sensor suite but removes the turret and weapon systems, shifting the focus to extended observation and information collection. In this version, the Ghost 7 is equipped to deploy a rotary-wing drone to expand surveillance coverage beyond the surface vessel’s immediate line of sight. The sensor architecture highlighted for this role includes 360-degree infrared and day cameras mounted on a gyro-stabilized system, with radar and lidar options supporting detection and tracking. This configuration is positioned for missions such as port security, coastal monitoring, and maritime domain awareness in shallow or congested waters.

From a propulsion and onboard systems perspective, the Ghost 7 is powered by two inboard FNM diesel marine engines rated at 350 horsepower each. These engines are supported by an onboard generator and fuel tank, forming an integrated power system intended to sustain extended unmanned operations. A gyro stabilization system is included to improve vessel stability, particularly during sensor operation and when engaging targets in dynamic sea conditions. The company linked stabilization performance to improved effectiveness during high-speed maneuvering and mission execution on a small hull.

Command, control, and communications for the Ghost 7 are designed to support flexible remote operation. The vessel can be controlled via radio links, GPS-based control, or satellite communications, with Starlink cited as one available option depending on customer preference. These communication pathways are intended to allow operation from shore facilities or remote command centers, supporting both direct control and more autonomous mission profiles. Similar control concepts were highlighted for a smaller unmanned three-meter jet ski displayed near the Ghost 7, which can also be operated via radio, GPS, or Starlink and is intended for close-range security and surveillance roles.

Beyond the Ghost 7, Performance Marine outlined a broader unmanned development and production roadmap during DIMDEX 2026. The company confirmed the delivery of a single 13-meter USV prototype to Qatari firm Barzan, without specifying its operational role, and stated that further unmanned vessels measuring 15, 16, and 24 meters are planned. Performance Marine also indicated that it operates its own serial production facility with one production line capable of building 10 USVs per year. During the previous edition of the Qatari maritime show, the company displayed a 39-foot, or 12-meter, USV named Suhail developed in cooperation with U.S.-based L3Harris, and the 2026 exhibition expanded this portfolio within a DIMDEX exhibition where unmanned surface vessels from multiple exhibitors drew sustained attention.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.