LANGKAWI, 22 May 2025 – The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is set to trial a new Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) supplied by Swiftships, a marine robotics specialist based in Los Angeles, as part of its move towards integrating unmanned systems into future naval operations.

While the RMN has acknowledged the increasing need for unmanned maritime systems, the current arrangement with Swiftships is limited to operational trials with no binding commitment to purchase at this stage.

The selected Swift Sea Stalker (S3) USV is specifically designed for surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations. It is fully transportable by air and land, allowing for rapid deployment across diverse operational theatres.

Built with an aluminium hull, the craft measures 6.1 metres in length, with a beam of 1.82 metres and a shallow draught of just 0.61 metre, enhancing its operability in both coastal and shallow-water environments. Propelled by a petrol engine with waterjet propulsion, it also features a gyrostabiliser for enhanced stability during high-speed or rough-weather missions.

The vessel boasts a fuel capacity exceeding 750 litres, granting it an impressive operating range of 800 to 1,000 nautical miles and an endurance of up to five days — making it ideal for extended patrols and persistent maritime monitoring.

Sensor capabilities include a marine radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and an infrared camera, offering versatile situational awareness. There is also provision for mounting a 7.62mm machine gun, which would significantly boost its tactical effectiveness in deterrence and light engagement scenarios.

This trial marks a significant step in the RMN’s exploration of autonomous and remotely operated maritime systems, in line with the Malaysian Armed Forces’ vision for a future-ready defence capability.

The introduction of this platform follows the RMN’s ongoing use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including the ScanEagle, through its 601 Squadron, and demonstrates Malaysia’s expanding interest in multi-domain unmanned technologies to enhance maritime security.