The American firm Saildrone has unveiled plans to conduct tests of four Voyager uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) in Denmark as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing sea surveillance and data collection capabilities. The testing campaign is set to commence in June and is integrated into Denmark’s broader strategy to incorporate uncrewed systems into its defense infrastructure.
Richard Jenkins, founder and CEO of Saildrone, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating that “the Baltic, North Sea, and European Arctic waters are currently facing unprecedented threats.” He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Danish armed forces, highlighting the critical role Saildrone systems will play in safeguarding Europe’s essential undersea infrastructure and bolstering regional security.
The Saildrone Voyager, a 33-foot (10-meter) USV, leverages both wind and solar energy, enabling it to conduct operations for several months without needing onboard personnel. Specifically engineered for maritime security tasks and nearshore ocean mapping, the Voyager is equipped with a multibeam sonar system capable of mapping seafloors at depths of up to 900 feet (approximately 300 meters). Additionally, its sophisticated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance suite includes a camera system, digital radar, and passive underwater acoustic sensors.
Amid rising tensions along Europe’s eastern borders, Denmark has intensified its defense measures to secure undersea areas, addressing concerns regarding potential attacks on underwater infrastructure. Recently, Saildrone also established a new branch in Copenhagen to better assist its European partners in advancing maritime awareness through autonomous technologies. The initiative aims to develop various systems for deep-sea mapping and monitoring of vital underwater infrastructure, which includes cables, pipelines, and offshore platforms.
