Kuwait Unveils Cutting-Edge Autonomous Maritime Surveillance with UK’s Needlefish Technology

Kuwait has recently unveiled an impressive unmanned surface vehicle (USV) named ‘Needlefish’ as part of a substantial $213 million maritime surveillance initiative in collaboration with British companies SRT marine Systems adn Ocean infinity. As reported by industry experts, this vessel marks a remarkable advancement in maritime security technology.

Launched under teh banner of “Project Vigilant” in October 2024, this initiative is touted as the most advanced marine domain awareness system globally. It combines state-of-the-art sensor technologies, including specialized cameras, radar systems, and radio frequency sensors on both stationary and mobile platforms. These components are seamlessly integrated through SRT Marine’s innovative Dynamic-AI driven GeoVS MDA System.

The Needlefish itself is quite a technical wonder—spanning 14 meters long and 6 meters wide, it boasts twin marine jet engines along with a unique ‘wave-slicing’ twin-hull design that allows it to slice through water efficiently.This USV can achieve speeds over 40 MPH, making it one of the fastest vessels in it’s category. While specific details about its operational duration remain confidential, insiders suggest that it can function for several days without limitations due to its remote control features.Kuwait plans to deploy four Needlefish vessels throughout its territorial waters for various missions such as intercepting suspicious ships, conducting search and rescue operations, providing escorts for other vessels, patrolling deterrence zones, monitoring fisheries activities, performing covert surveillance tasks, detecting pollution incidents, and mapping seabeds.

Simon Tucker from SRT Marine Systems emphasized the importance of this project: “I appreciate the foresight shown by the Kuwait Coast Guard in pursuing an remarkable maritime surveillance system that sets new standards.” He further noted how Kuwait has positioned itself at the forefront of global maritime surveillance advancements with these cutting-edge USVs developed alongside Ocean Infinity.

Constructed discreetly at two shipyards in the UK before being transported to Kuwait via specially chartered Antonov aircraft—capable of accommodating such large vessels—the entire operation was shrouded in secrecy until now.

Along with these USVs, Kuwait’s comprehensive maritime strategy includes establishing specialized surveillance towers along its coastline and remote islands. The plan also encompasses 100 digitized navigation aids alongside multiple command centers where data is processed and visualized instantaneously.

This significant investment aligns perfectly with Kuwait’s broader modernization agenda which aims at enhancing infrastructure across various sectors like housing advancement and transportation networks—a vision estimated at around $121 billion according to Global Finance reports.