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Singapore Navy Relies on MARSEC USVs to Ensure Surveillance of Strait.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) officially began autonomous deployments of its Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessels (MARSEC USVs) in January 2025. These patrols, operating in the highly congested Singapore Strait, follow an extensive phase of testing and evaluation aimed at refining the capabilities of these unmanned assets.
The USV is equipped with navigation radar, collision detection systems, and a Rafael Toplite electro-optical camera with a laser rangefinder and stereovision sensors (Picture source: Singapore MoD)
The MARSEC USV program is part of Singapore's broader effort to enhance maritime surveillance while optimizing manpower allocation. While initial deployments in 2023 required a small crew onboard, the latest operational phase allows for fully autonomous missions, with remote control from the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) command center. This transition was facilitated by technical improvements, including enhanced navigation and collision avoidance algorithms, as well as validation in real-world maritime traffic conditions.
Developed in collaboration with the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and Defence Science Organisation National Laboratories, the MARSEC USV measures 16.9 meters in length and 5.2 meters in width, with a displacement of approximately 30 tons. It is powered by water jets, reaching speeds exceeding 25 knots and maintaining an endurance of more than 36 hours. The platform was designed by Taiwanese shipbuilder Lung Teh in Su'ao before being delivered to ST Engineering Electronics for system integration and final outfitting.
The USV is equipped with navigation radar, collision detection systems, and a Rafael Toplite electro-optical camera with a laser rangefinder and stereo vision sensors. An AI-based rule system enables compliance with international navigation regulations while adapting to real-time maritime conditions. The vessel’s Collision Detection and Collision Avoidance (CDCA) algorithm underwent extensive testing, including 12 million kilometers of simulations and over 1,000 hours of autonomous operations at sea, with no recorded incidents.
By integrating these USVs into its fleet, the RSN strengthens maritime security operations. Working alongside manned vessels such as the Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs), these assets provide continuous surveillance of territorial waters and faster responses to potential threats. During a demonstration on February 4, 2025, a MARSEC USV intercepted a suspicious vessel at sea, issuing an audio warning before initiating deterrent measures. These capabilities are supported by onboard systems, including an audio warning system, a laser dazzler, and a remotely operated weapon system capable of firing warning or disabling shots when necessary.
The introduction of MARSEC USVs also presents an operational advantage in terms of manpower management. While an LMV typically requires a crew of 23 personnel for maritime security missions, a USV can perform similar tasks with only two operators based onshore. This operational model increases overall mission efficiency, enabling manned vessels to be deployed for more complex tasks over a wider area.
The program has followed a stringent validation framework, drawing on expertise from institutions in the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and the Netherlands. Real-world trials included day and night navigation scenarios as well as testing in adverse weather conditions. These measures ensured that the MARSEC USVs meet operational and safety standards required for use in a high-traffic maritime environment.
With three of the four MARSEC USVs delivered by the end of 2024, these units are expected to expand their operational scope over time. Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed plans to continue refining the system to further improve maritime security and surveillance. By deploying these autonomous units, Singapore advances its use of technology in maritime operations while optimizing the effectiveness of its naval forces.