Breaking News: Kuwait’s New NeedleFish Naval Drones Mark a Turning Point for Regional Maritime Security.

On July 3, 2025, Kuwait’s New NeedleFish Naval Drones Mark a Turning Point for Regional Maritime Security, as reported by Ocean Infinity. In an unprecedented move for the Gulf region, Ocean Infinity has delivered its high-speed NeedleFish Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) to the Kuwaiti Coast Guard as part of an ambitious $213 million maritime surveillance overhaul. The launch, integrated into “Project Vigilant,” reflects Kuwait’s response to growing maritime security demands across its 11,000 km² of territorial waters. By combining advanced robotics, marine intelligence, and real-time data streaming, this program demonstrates how cutting-edge unmanned systems are reshaping national defense priorities in the Arabian Gulf.
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Kuwait’s investment in the NeedleFish fleet is more than a technological upgrade, it is a calculated leap into a new era of coastal defense where autonomy, data integration, and real-time command define maritime security (Picture source: Ocean Infinity)

The NeedleFish USV is a 14-metre, dual-hull catamaran specifically engineered for rapid unmanned patrol, surveillance, mapping, and seabed surveying missions. Powered by twin marine jet engines, these vessels can exceed speeds of 40 miles per hour, making them the fastest in their category. Each unit is custom-fitted with multi-layered maritime sensors, including radars, optical-electronic systems, and hydroacoustic equipment, all feeding live intelligence to purpose-built onshore Command Centres connected through SRT Marine Systems’ advanced C5iSR network.

Ocean Infinity’s journey to develop the NeedleFish draws on years of experience operating the world’s largest active fleet of USVs and UUVs since 2019. Initially renowned for subsea search and offshore data capture, the company pivoted its expertise into autonomous surface platforms with this tailor-made solution for Kuwait’s unique maritime conditions. The rollout was preceded by extensive trials and a live demonstration for the country’s top security officials, signaling the start of a new era for a Coast Guard that, until now, relied heavily on a limited fleet of crewed patrol boats.

What sets the NeedleFish apart is its integration into Kuwait’s broader Marine Domain Awareness ecosystem, an unprecedented combination of static coastal towers, mobile unmanned assets, and AI-powered data fusion. Compared to older crewed patrol craft, these drones extend the Coast Guard’s operational reach with persistent presence, lower risk to personnel, and seamless remote control beyond line of sight. When contrasted with historical developments like the US Navy’s experimentation with Sea Hunter-class USVs, Kuwait’s approach is notable for deploying such advanced technology directly into daily border security rather than as a testbed for future naval concepts.

Strategically, Kuwait’s move has regional implications. The Gulf’s complex maritime landscape, marked by smuggling, illegal fishing, and the shadow of geopolitical tensions, demands ever-more sophisticated surveillance. By fielding autonomous vessels integrated with live data streams and AI-enabled threat detection, Kuwait aims to fill critical gaps with a force multiplier effect. In a region where oil infrastructure and trade routes remain high-value targets, this project demonstrates how smaller states can leverage unmanned systems to maintain sovereignty and maritime control without overstretching personnel.

Financially, the NeedleFish rollout sits within Kuwait’s wider $121 billion infrastructure modernization strategy. While the initial contract covers just four drones, valued as part of the $213 million surveillance package, the program’s success could spur further procurement. Ocean Infinity and SRT Marine Systems remain key partners, positioning themselves for potential follow-on deals should Kuwait expand its unmanned fleet or seek upgrades, such as the addition of modular payloads or limited defensive capabilities in the future.

Kuwait’s investment in the NeedleFish fleet is more than a technological upgrade, it is a calculated leap into a new era of coastal defense where autonomy, data integration, and real-time command define maritime security. As regional maritime threats grow more complex, this project will likely serve as a model for other Gulf nations seeking to balance tight manpower resources with the demand for constant coastal vigilance.