SINGAPORE:” Cease, Stop, Stop”. An autonomous area vessel sailed toward and intercepted a” dubious” vessel in Singapore waters, and a warning came out.  ,
The sound alert, translated from text to speech, is part of the ship’s calibrated reaction to circumstances at sea.  ,
These Republic of Singapore Navy ( RSN) assets, known as Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessels ( MARSEC USVs ), started conducting operational patrols in January.  ,
When required, these assets will also investigate and interdict suspicious vessels, the Ministry of Defence ( MINDEF ) said in a fact sheet on Tuesday ( Feb 4).  ,
During a simulated sea risk situation close to Changi Naval Center in Tanah Merah, members of the internet had the opportunity to sail on a USV while watching how it responds to such vessels.
Each vessel can go at a rate of more than 25 knots, or about 50 kilometers per hour, on a 16.9 meter long vehicle. Additionally, it has a maximum duration of operation ( a vehicle can run without needing resources or repair ) of more than 36 hours.
It is able to perform automatic routing, with the help of a sensor and 360-degree camera.
Additionally, the USV has a remote weapons program that can be used to fire notice or disabled photos as needed. However, this method is not intelligent.  ,
Directing the weapons program is an activity that may need a “man in the loop” as it involves “deliberate people selection”, said commanding agent for the USV squadron , Lieutenant Colonel Tan Kailing.
Speaking to reporters, Colonel ( COL ) Thung Yee Meng, commander of the sixth Flotilla fleet, said the MARSEC USVs are” a first” for the Singapore navy in terms of the autonomy they incorporate.  ,
He added that the navy’s use of robotic technology demonstrates its commitment to creating innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency.
The RSN has since started receiving four MARSEC USVs. By the end of 2024, he added, three of the arteries had been delivered.