Kuwait has unveiled the Needlefish, the world’s most advanced unmanned surface vehicle (USV), as part of a $213 million maritime surveillance initiative with British companies SRT Marine Systems and Ocean Infinity. Launched under Project Vigilant, this cutting-edge vessel features advanced sensor systems—including specialized cameras, radars, and RF sensors—integrated through SRT Marine’s Dynamic-AI driven GeoVS MDA System.
Measuring 14 meters long and 6 meters wide, the Needlefish is powered by twin marine jet engines, allowing it to exceed speeds of 40 MPH. While its continuous operational duration is classified, it is believed to have unlimited range due to remote control capabilities. Kuwait has commissioned four of these USVs to conduct a variety of missions, such as intercepting suspicious vessels, search and rescue operations, and pollution detection.
Simon Tucker, CEO of SRT Marine Systems, praised Kuwait’s vision in adopting this state-of-the-art maritime surveillance system, positioning the nation as a global leader in maritime security technology. The vessels were built discreetly in the UK and transported to Kuwait via Antonov aircraft, underscoring the project’s significance. This investment aligns with Kuwait’s broader modernization efforts, which include approximately $121 billion in planned infrastructure projects.
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