Home Europe UK buying MANTAS USVs for Royal Navy, Joint Forces Command

UK buying MANTAS USVs for Royal Navy, Joint Forces Command

Photo: MARTAC

The UK defense ministry has awarded Florida-based MARTAC a contract for the delivery of five man-portable tactical autonomous systems (MANTAS) T12 craft for the Royal Navy and Joint Forces Command.

The contract includes deliveries of integrated sensors, spares, support equipment, training and technical support.

Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC) was selected following a market survey to qualify the availability of commercial off-the-shelf products that would support the idea that low observable USVs have utility for discrete maritime operations. This work revealed only one product was available which had a proven track record and that met the need was the MANTAS T12.

A successful pilot contract was let by jHUB Commercial in February 2019 to Maritime Tactical Systems Inc. (MARTAC), in which two MANTAS T12 craft were leased to test their suitability.

Now that suitability has been confirmed, Navy X and MAB6 intend to purchase five MANTAS T12 craft directly from MARTAC. According to the UK MOD, MANTAS has a low observable – radar cross section, thermal and noise signature. The USV also has the ability to semi-submerge on demand, reducing its visible signature to almost zero – this is currently a feature unique to MARTAC’s MANTAS T12.

UK MOD said it intends to explore the potential military advantage of this capability at pace.