Abu Dhabi: Israel and the United Arab Emirates participated in a joint unmanned maritime demonstration where they performed a range of military and commercial missions. EDGE, ADSB and IAI held the joint demonstration at NAVDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The jointly-produced autonomous vessel is fitted with sensors, sonar, and imaging systems integrated into a partially or entirely remotely-operated unified command & control system, which does not require human intervention.
The new system is being presented a year after a commercial cooperation agreement was signed between the companies, under which EDGE, and ADSB (Abu Dhabi Ship Building) the region’s leading shipyard, would use their capabilities in design, production, maintenance, adaptation, and conversion of commercial and other vessels. ADSB will design the platform, integrate the sensors and control systems on board the vessel, and develop its operational concept. IAI will develop and supply the autonomous control system, and integrate a range of dedicated sensors into the control unit, all in accordance with the needs of the program.
Military applications made possible by autonomous vessels include intelligence-related activities, tracking, observation, border and coastal surveillance, the means for conducting maritime security, mine-detection, submarine detection and anti-submarine warfare, and the deployment of platforms for vertical take-off and landing. The vessels are also suitable for civilian applications including oceanography, pollution detection and monitoring, oil and gas drilling, liquid material transportation, search & rescue, firefighting, and the early interception of threats.
Boaz Levy, Israel Aerospace Industries’ President & CEO, added: “The unmanned maritime vessel we are exhibiting represents a historic moment: for the first time, cooperation between Israel and the United Arab Emirates has resulted in an advanced technological product which includes autonomous systems and robotics. This joint realization is taking place in the UAE, and incorporates the very best technological knowledge of EDGE and ADSB, specialists in maritime and commercial activities, together with Israel Aerospace Industries. Our advanced technology allows us to leverage business opportunities ensuring the growth of both companies for many customers around the world.”
David Massey, ADSB’s CEO, said: “ADSB is very pleased to have worked with its partners to develop a cost effective autonomous inshore and harbour protection mine countermeasure (MCM) vessel which minimizes risks to personnel and can be put into production according to customer specifications significantly faster than larger vessels. Strengthening strategic partnerships to enhance our capabilities is a strategic priority for both ADSB and EDGE for the wider benefit of our customers both locally and globally.”
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
