Sea Machines has announced that its new STORMRUNNER-class autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV) has been selected by Leonardo DRS.
The vessel will be used to demonstrate a maritime Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capability using DRS’s Mission Equipment Package (M-MEP).
The STORMRUNNER is an 8-meter offshore autonomous vessel designed specifically for defense missions. It is built to operate without a crew, making it suitable for high-risk maritime environments. The vessel will support testing and deployment of systems that can detect and stop aerial drone threats at sea.
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Powered by Sea Machines’ SM300-SP autonomous command and control system, STORMRUNNER is designed for long-range and high-speed operations. It can reach speeds of over 40 knots and travel more than 700 nautical miles. Its modular payload bay allows it to carry different mission systems, including the Leonardo DRS M-MEP.
The vessel is made entirely of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), providing durability while keeping maintenance needs low. This makes it suitable for extended deployments in harsh maritime conditions.
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The need for counter-drone systems at sea is growing rapidly. Regions such as the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Baltic Sea have seen increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and disruption. These drones can threaten both commercial shipping and naval operations.
By combining the STORMRUNNER platform with Leonardo DRS’s counter-UAS systems, naval forces can detect, track, and respond to aerial threats without putting sailors or large ships in danger. The system is designed to extend operational reach while reducing risk.
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Erik Hedval, Director of Federal Business Captures at Sea Machines, said unmanned vessels like STORMRUNNER are becoming essential tools for modern navies. He explained that pairing autonomous vessels with counter-drone systems allows commanders to push protection further forward and improve operational flexibility in challenging environments.
As maritime threats evolve, autonomous systems like STORMRUNNER are expected to play a larger role in ensuring maritime security while keeping human crews out of harm’s way.
