British maritime design and engineering firm BMT has unveiled its latest naval innovation at DSEI 2025—the Modular Uncrewed Surface Ship (MODUS). Designed as a flexible and scalable platform for multi-domain operations, MODUS aims to address emerging operational requirements across ISR, mine countermeasures (MCM), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and logistics support.
MODUS Concept Overview
The MODUS platform is conceived as a modular uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with a focus on adaptability and mission reconfiguration. Developed in response to a growing demand for cost-effective force multipliers in contested maritime environments, MODUS leverages open architecture systems to support rapid payload integration and autonomous operations.
According to BMT’s official release during DSEI 2025 in London, the platform is designed around a core hull module that can be scaled between 12 m and 24 m in length depending on mission needs. The baseline configuration includes:
- Autonomous navigation and collision avoidance suite
- Modular payload bays for mission-specific equipment
- Optional manned control station for hybrid operations
- Diesel-electric propulsion with low acoustic signature
BMT emphasized that the system is being developed to NATO STANAG interoperability standards and can integrate with existing C4ISR frameworks used by allied navies. The design also supports launch-and-recovery compatibility with larger manned vessels or shore-based infrastructure.
Mission Flexibility Through Modularity
The central innovation of MODUS lies in its modular payload architecture. The vessel can be rapidly reconfigured with mission modules tailored for:
- Mine Countermeasures (MCM): Towed sonar arrays or expendable MCM drones
- ISR Operations: EO/IR sensor masts, radar packages, SIGINT pods
- Anti-Submarine Warfare: Lightweight torpedo launchers or dipping sonar systems
- Cargo/Logistics Support: Containerized resupply pods or fuel bladders
This approach mirrors the modularity seen in programs like the U.S. Navy’s MUSV (Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle) initiative or the Royal Navy’s Project VIGILANCE concepts. By allowing navies to tailor each hull to specific threats or missions without building bespoke platforms for each role, MODUS offers potential lifecycle cost savings and operational agility.
Sensors and Autonomy Stack
BMT has not disclosed full details of the autonomy software stack but confirmed that MODUS will feature an advanced autonomous navigation system capable of real-time object detection and dynamic route planning using AI-enhanced decision logic. Sensor fusion from radar, AIS receivers, EO/IR cameras, and LIDAR will enable robust situational awareness during both day/night operations.
The company is reportedly working with UK-based autonomy specialists to ensure compliance with emerging NATO standards for trusted autonomous behaviors. This includes fail-safe modes that allow remote human-in-the-loop control during complex engagements or when operating near civilian traffic lanes.
Pilot Programs and Potential Operators
BMT indicated it is engaging with several NATO-aligned navies under confidential pilot programs aimed at evaluating MODUS prototypes under realistic conditions. While no formal contracts have been announced as of June 2024, defense sources suggest the Royal Navy may be considering MODUS as part of its broader Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) vision—particularly for MCM replacement roles alongside autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
The UK Ministry of Defence has previously invested in autonomous maritime trials through its NavyX innovation cell. MODUS could complement existing platforms like the RNMB Harrier USVs currently undergoing testing by Atlas Elektronik UK within Project WILTON.
Industrial Context and Competitive Landscape
The unveiling of MODUS comes amid increased global investment in uncrewed maritime systems. The U.S., Australia, France, Norway, Turkey, Israel, and South Korea are all fielding or developing USVs across various tonnage classes—from small FPV-type interceptors up to large displacement unmanned surface vessels (LD-USVs).
BMT’s approach appears focused on medium-displacement multi-role USVs optimized for expeditionary support rather than high-end combat roles. This positions it against competitors like Elbit Systems’ Seagull USV or L3Harris’ Arabian Gulf-tested MAST-13 platform.
If successfully adopted by NATO forces or export customers seeking scalable unmanned capabilities without committing to full-size crewed ships or expensive UAV fleets alone, MODUS could carve out a niche within hybrid fleet architectures over the next decade.
Outlook: From Demonstrator to Deployment?
No sea trials have yet been publicly confirmed for MODUS as of mid-2024. However, BMT stated that prototype fabrication is underway with first waterborne demonstrations expected by Q1–Q2 of calendar year 2025—likely aligned with follow-on industry events such as Euronaval or UDT Europe.
If proven viable through trials—including endurance testing under sea state conditions typical of North Atlantic deployments—MODUS could enter limited production by late 2026 depending on procurement timelines from early adopters.
BMT’s emphasis on open architecture also opens doors for international co-development partnerships where local industry can integrate national C4ISR suites or weapon systems onto the base platform—a model increasingly favored by Indo-Pacific customers seeking sovereign capability growth.
Conclusion
The BMT MODUS concept reflects an ongoing shift toward distributed maritime operations enabled by unmanned systems. Its modularity-first design philosophy aligns well with evolving naval doctrines emphasizing flexibility over specialization. While still early in development stages without confirmed buyers or test data publicly available yet, it represents a credible entrant into the expanding field of medium-class USVs tailored for multi-mission roles across blue-water and littoral theaters alike.
