A 3D render of Blue Water’s autonomous ship. Blue Water AutonomyAccording to a defense website on April 16, a team of engineers composed of retired US Navy veterans has recently successfully developed a new type of autonomous robotic vessel, aimed at providing low-cost and efficient maritime combat and patrol solutions for the United States and its allies. This innovative vessel combines artificial intelligence, unmanned navigation, and modular design concepts, and is considered an important prototype for future unmanned maritime combat platforms.Reportedly, the project is led by a US company named “Maritime Tactical Systems” (MARTAC), with key members being retired officers and technicians who have participated in naval operations and technology development. They utilized their extensive tactical experience and deep understanding of naval operational needs to create a “smart vessel” that possesses both military application capabilities and commercial market potential.The prototype vessel unveiled is the latest model in the MANTAS series, measuring approximately 12 meters in length, equipped with all-weather radar, high-definition cameras, infrared thermal imaging systems, and satellite communication modules. Most notably, it navigates and executes missions entirely through its autonomous navigation system, requiring no remote control from personnel, and maintains high stability and mission accuracy even in complex sea conditions. The vessel can be used for reconnaissance, maritime patrol, mine detection, communication relay, and various other tasks, and can also carry weapon modules to perform light strike missions.One of the project leaders, Tom Sanders, a retired officer who served in the US military for over 20 years, stated: “The problem we want to solve is how to provide a fleet or coastal defense unit with an ‘extra pair of eyes and ears’ at low cost. These unmanned vessels not only protect soldiers from dangerous areas but also enable all-weather, long-duration maritime monitoring, greatly enhancing operational efficiency.”It is reported that the MANTAS vessels adopt a modular construction design, allowing for the replacement of different functional modules based on mission requirements, such as sonar detection modules, underwater robot deployment modules, or missile launch platforms. Its energy system also offers diverse options, including traditional fuel propulsion, battery power, and solar assistance, further enhancing endurance and deployment flexibility.Military experts point out that in recent years, with the frequent occurrence of global maritime disputes and the increasing number of gray zone conflicts, the demand for highly mobile, low detectable, and remotely controlled maritime unmanned platforms has significantly increased. Unmanned vessels possess inherent advantages such as being casualty-averse, rapidly deployable, and cost-effective, making them a key focus for the transformation and upgrading of navies worldwide. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel have all initiated the development and testing of similar systems.In recent years, the US Navy has gradually promoted the concept of an “unmanned fleet” and has conducted multiple actual deployment exercises in regions such as the Pacific and the Middle East. The development of the MANTAS vessel not only showcases the organic combination of civilian technological capabilities and veteran resources but also provides a new technical model for the future intelligent transformation of naval fleets.It is noteworthy that the MANTAS system also has good export potential. Due to its relatively low cost and low entry barriers, it is particularly suitable for small countries or special forces to carry out anti-piracy, border patrol, and maritime search and rescue missions. Currently, several countries’ military forces have expressed procurement intentions, and MARTAC is also in discussions with multiple countries within the NATO framework.Against the backdrop of continuous advancements in artificial intelligence and unmanned technology, unmanned vessels are rapidly changing the traditional modes of maritime combat. From “manned operations as the main focus” to “unmanned collaborative operations” and then to “intelligent autonomous combat,” the maritime battlefield is undergoing a fundamental reconstruction.In summary, the MANTAS autonomous vessel developed under the leadership of retired US Navy personnel not only represents the immense potential of civilian power in military innovation but also provides a safer, more flexible, and smarter solution for future maritime combat. As technology continues to mature and application scenarios expand, unmanned vessels are expected to become an important component of standardized equipment for navies around the world.