Israel is increasing investment in unmanned maritime vessels to bolster security
of trade routes after the regional war nearly three years ago strained its navy.
Officials say the country has concluded it needs a larger fleet and is using
autonomous systems to extend operational reach and protect surface and
subsurface assets. The navy currently operates 10 small unmanned surface vessels
and one large unmanned underwater vehicle. Yaron Sarig, head of the defense
ministry R&D executive office, confirmed expanded spending on autonomous
maritime platforms, citing lower acquisition cost, shorter procurement cycles
and reduced crew requirements versus manned ships for a small navy.
