At DSEI 2025 in London, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and industry partners showcased a next-generation autonomous surface vessel (ASV) named MARS—Modular Autonomous Robotic System—designed for multi-domain integration. The platform demonstrated real-time coordination with airborne sensors and loitering munitions in a simulated littoral combat scenario. This marks a significant step in the Royal Navy’s push toward AI-enabled distributed maritime operations.
MARS Platform Overview: Modular Design for Multi-Mission Roles
The MARS system is a medium-sized unmanned surface vessel (USV) developed under a collaborative effort between the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), BAE Systems Maritime Services, and L3Harris Technologies UK. Designed with modularity at its core, the platform can be rapidly reconfigured for missions including intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare (EW), mine countermeasures (MCM), or kinetic strike using loitering munitions.
Key specifications include:
- Length: ~12 meters
- Propulsion: Hybrid diesel-electric with waterjet propulsion
- Range: Over 500 nautical miles at cruising speed
- Endurance: Up to 72 hours autonomous operation
- C2 Integration: Compatible with NATO STANAG protocols including Link-16 and NILE/Link-22
The hull is built from composite materials optimized for low radar cross-section (RCS) and reduced infrared signature. The open architecture allows for rapid payload swaps via standardized mission bays.
AI-Enabled Command Architecture and Sensor Fusion
MARS employs an onboard autonomy suite developed by Dstl that enables semi-autonomous decision-making under human-on-the-loop control. Its command-and-control system supports dynamic tasking via secure satellite or line-of-sight datalinks. During demonstrations at DSEI 2025, MARS coordinated sensor data from an accompanying UAV equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems to identify maritime targets of interest.
The system fuses inputs from multiple sensors:
- EO/IR gimbals for day/night surveillance
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather detection
- AIS transponder interrogation for vessel identification
- Passive RF detection modules to geolocate emitters
This multi-sensor fusion enables target classification using onboard machine learning algorithms trained on maritime traffic profiles. The AI engine prioritizes threats based on behavior patterns such as erratic movement or emissions silence near exclusion zones.
Integration with Loitering Munitions for Distributed Strike Capability
A key highlight at DSEI was the live simulation of strike coordination between MARS and a loitering munition system launched from an offshore support vessel. The munition—reportedly based on the Thales FZ120 family or similar class—was cued by target coordinates relayed from MARS after sensor fusion confirmation.
This demonstration validated several critical capabilities:
- Tactical datalink interoperability between USV and aerial munition via secure mesh network
- Real-time battle damage assessment via UAV relay back to C2 node ashore
- Rules-of-engagement compliance through human-in-the-loop authorization before strike execution
The integration underscores the UK’s commitment to distributed lethality concepts where autonomous platforms act as forward sensors—and shooters—across contested littoral environments without exposing manned assets to high-risk areas.
Operational Implications for Future Royal Navy Concepts of Operations (CONOPS)
MARS aligns closely with the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Operating Concept (FMOC), which emphasizes autonomy, modularity, and persistent presence across grey zone scenarios. In particular, it supports:
- Littoral surveillance near chokepoints such as Hormuz or Baltic straits without deploying frigates or OPVs
- Saturation of A2/AD zones using low-cost unmanned assets that complicate adversary targeting cycles
- Rapid response to hybrid threats including swarming fast attack craft or covert minelaying activities
The platform also complements broader NATO initiatives such as Project XLUUV under DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), which seeks interoperable unmanned maritime systems across alliance fleets.
Industrial Roadmap and Procurement Outlook Post-DSEI Demonstration
The MoD has not yet confirmed formal procurement quantities but has indicated that MARS will enter extended sea trials under Royal Navy experimentation units in early Q1 FY2026. Funding is expected through the Defence Innovation Fund (£6.6 billion over four years) earmarked partially for unmanned systems development.
L3Harris UK confirmed plans to establish a dedicated production line in Portsmouth should orders materialize beyond prototypes. Export interest has reportedly emerged from Nordic navies seeking cost-effective ASVs capable of ISR-strike pairing in archipelagic terrain.
DSTL officials noted that future iterations may include autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) launch capability or integration with Type-32 frigate motherships envisioned under RN’s future force structure planning post-2030.
Conclusion: Toward Networked Maritime Autonomy at Scale
MARS represents more than just another unmanned surface drone—it signals a shift toward network-centric naval warfare where autonomy enhances tempo, survivability, and reach across dispersed formations. By integrating ISR collection with kinetic options like loitering munitions—and doing so autonomously—the Royal Navy is laying groundwork for scalable manned-unmanned teaming across future maritime battlespaces.
Sources
- DSEI Live Coverage – Naval News – https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/dsei-2025/
- L3Harris Press Release – “Autonomous Surface Vessels at DSEI” – https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom
- DSTL Publications – “UK Maritime Autonomy Roadmap” – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maritime-autonomy-programmes
- UK MoD Defence Equipment Plan FY25–29 – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-equipment-plan-2025
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