As the rise of unmanned vehicles is well acknowledged in relation to Air Force, this technological development is also gaining influence in the maritime scenario.
Due to the great importance that the sea represents (international trade as the main factor for national economies, in conjunction with resources and ability to project power), it is becoming a more and more vulnerable space due to the emergence of threats such as terrorism and piracy. The development of both Unmanned Sea Vessels (USV) and the Unmanned Underwater Vessels (UUV) is one of the most accurate ways that the Navies have to deter the threats and control their own space.
In an article published by Naval-Technology, one of the latests projects in the UUV market is the SeaGlider, from iRobot firm. It's long-range version operates between 20 to 1,000 metres; and contains sensors with different specifications. But in specific reference with the piracy threat, last January BAE Systems introduced a powerful laser, an ideal resource for commercial ships, to defend themselves against pirates. This non-lethal deterrent is useful for preventing piracy activity being located at a considerable distance from the source of threat.
These are just few examples of how technology is being updated as a reaction to the emergent hazards of the 21st century, increasing the impact at the time to protect territories.
Source: In defense of the shallows: littoral water protection, Naval-Technology, september 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment