In a significant advancement for maritime security, Indra has announced the launch of a European port defense initiative known as the Smart Maritime and Underwater Guardian (SMAUG) project. Valued at 6 million euros (approximately $6.26 million), this innovative endeavor integrates cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, sonar, and unmanned underwater vehicles to enhance safety and cooperation in maritime environments.
The SMAUG project is anchored in Indra’s iSIM solution, which utilizes four core methodologies to secure ports and adjacent coastal areas. Firstly, it features an acoustic detection system designed to identify small autonomous underwater vehicles through an extensive network of hydrophones. In addition to this, a sophisticated sonar system is employed to comprehensively scan the harbor’s bottom, while high-resolution sonar specifically targets poorly visible underwater objects for detection.
A notable aspect of the project is the deployment of a coordinated swarm of underwater drones, which will autonomously seek out potential threats and illegal trafficking activities in the maritime domain. The versatility of the SMAUG system allows it to be effectively utilized not only in port areas but also along coastal regions and maritime borders, making it highly relevant in light of the increased geopolitical tensions and the proliferation of unmanned underwater vessels globally.
According to Juan Roman Martínez, head of Indra’s SMAUG project, this initiative represents a noteworthy leap forward in maritime security, enhancing safety measures and fostering international collaboration to combat illicit activities across the seas.
Indra leads a consortium comprising 22 partners from seven European nations, including Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, and Spain. This initiative is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, a research and innovation funding program aimed at fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in the region.
The consortium includes a diverse array of participants, such as universities, research centers, small and medium enterprises, law enforcement agencies, public authorities, coastal and border guards, as well as private organizations. This multi-faceted collaboration underscores the significance of the SMAUG project in addressing complex maritime security challenges.
As the project’s leader, Indra plans to leverage its iSIM solution for the comprehensive analysis, integration, and processing of data collected from various physical security systems, which include hydrophones, underwater scanners, drone swarms, and autonomous vehicles, alongside satellite surveillance systems. Furthermore, the system will incorporate information from port management systems, allowing for a unified and interoperable approach to optimize security, enhance operational efficiency, and facilitate real-time decision-making.
The SMAUG project stands to revolutionize maritime security protocols and establish a robust framework for ensuring safety in European ports and coastal areas amidst evolving threats.
