• MOU signed to collaborate on the construction of the first-ever Aircat Bengal MC Modular Attack Surface Craft
• Pioneering Surface Effect Ship design has multiple applications
• The 36m modular platform with autonomous optionality will be built at Strategic Marine’s advanced Singapore facilities

Premier Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based advanced naval innovation leader Eureka Naval Craft to collaborate on the construction of the first-ever Aircat Bengal MC Modular Attack Surface Craft.

The partnership will give a significant boost to the global maritime sector and brings together Eureka’s pioneering modular naval Surface Effect Ship (SES) design and Strategic Marine’s world-class shipbuilding expertise to deliver a new class of non-ITAR, dual-use vessels designed for both defence and civilian applications.

Non-ITAR vessels are not subject to the US’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations that control the export and import of defence-related equipment and have wide applicability.

“This partnership marks a new chapter in delivering next-generation, dual-use maritime solutions to the global market,” said Mr Bo Jardine, CEO for Eureka Naval Craft.

Mr Chan Eng Yew, CEO of Strategic Marine added: “We are proud to collaborate with Eureka on this groundbreaking project. Our Singapore shipyard is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a highly experienced team, enabling us to deliver complex vessels quickly and at scale.”

The 36m modular platform Aircat Bengal MC is based on the proven Aircat Crewliner 35 SES, originally designed by ESNA AS in collaboration with Aircat Vessels and further developed by Eureka.

This advanced vessel platform is engineered to address the evolving operational needs of modern naval and maritime security forces as well as the demanding requirements of the offshore energy industry.

Through this MOU, both parties will collaborate closely on finalizing vessel design, construction details, and project milestones.

“By joining forces with Strategic Marine, we are combining American innovation with Singaporean shipbuilding excellence to meet the dynamic needs of defence and energy clients worldwide,” said Mr Jardine.

Modular Payload Capabilities for a Dynamic Threat Environment

A defining feature of the Aircat Bengal MC is its highly modular payload architecture. The vessel is designed to rapidly integrate and swap a wide array of mission modules and payloads, including advanced sensors, unmanned systems, weapons, communications suites, and specialized equipment for both defence and civilian operations.

This modularity enables operators to tailor the vessel’s capabilities to specific mission profiles, including for anti-surface warfare, mine countermeasures, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), humanitarian assistance, or offshore energy support.

The Aircat Bengal MC’s modular payload system gives navies, coast guards, and energy operators the capability to reconfigure vessels quickly and cost-effectively.

In today’s rapidly evolving maritime threat environment, the ability to reconfigure a combatant vessel to stay ahead of emerging threats, respond to new operational requirements, and maximize fleet flexibility without the need for lengthy refits or new vessel acquisitions is a significant advantage.

This future-proof approach is especially relevant for Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, and allied forces seeking to maintain a technological edge and operational readiness in contested and unpredictable waters.

Versatility for Modern Maritime and Energy Challenges

Meanwhile, the Aircat Bengal MC’s design and modularity also make it exceptionally well-suited to address a broad spectrum of contemporary maritime challenges that coast guards and other maritime enforcement agencies may face.

Its rapid reconfiguration capability allows it to support humanitarian response operations such as delivering aid, medical support, and disaster relief supplies to affected areas with speed and efficiency.

For nations seeking to enforce their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), the vessel’s advanced sensors, high speed, and endurance enable effective patrol, monitoring, and interdiction of illegal activities.

The platform is also a powerful asset in counter-smuggling and anti-piracy missions, able to deploy specialized boarding teams, unmanned aerial or surface vehicles, and non-lethal deterrence systems as needed.

A Game-Changer for Offshore Oil & Gas Logistics

Beyond defence and security, the Aircat Bengal MC’s large aft deck, substantial ~40-ton payload capacity, impressive range, and high speed make it a valuable asset for offshore oil and gas exploration and production logistics.

The expansive aft deck is ideal for transporting equipment, supplies, and personnel to and from offshore platforms, while the vessel’s stability and speed ensure safe and efficient operations even in challenging sea conditions.

Crucially, the Aircat Bengal MC enables the fast movement of time-critical items offshore, supporting urgent maintenance, repairs, or supply needs that are essential to maintaining production uptime. Its payload capacity allows for the rapid delivery of heavy or bulky cargo that would otherwise require multiple trips or specialized vessels.

Additionally, the vessel offers a fast and safe mode of personnel transfer offshore, providing a reliable alternative to helicopters in certain scenarios.

This capability not only enhances operational flexibility and safety but can also reduce costs and weather-related delays, making the Aircat Bengal MC an attractive solution for energy operators seeking to optimize logistics and personnel movement in dynamic offshore environments.

The Aircat Bengal MC’s modularity, speed, advanced autonomy, and operational versatility make it an ideal platform for a wide range of missions, from coastal defence and special operations to offshore energy support, humanitarian response, EEZ enforcement, counter-smuggling, and confronting hostile grey-zone forces.

Advanced Autonomy for the Modern Maritime Domain

Another key innovation is the integration of the Greenroom Robotics GAMA maritime autonomy solution, which is fully UMAA-compliant.

The Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA) initiative is driven by the US Navy to provide a comprehensive and unified approach to the operation and interoperability of unmanned surface vessels.

This cutting-edge system enables a spectrum of autonomous and remotely operated capabilities, supporting optionally manned and unmanned operations.

The GAMA solution enhances mission flexibility, operational safety, and efficiency – allowing the Aircat Bengal MC to perform complex tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, and rapid response with reduced crew requirements or in fully autonomous mode.

For Eureka and Strategic Marine, the adoption of Greenroom Robotics’ GAMA autonomy suite represents a significant leap forward in delivering future-ready vessels.

It positions their offering at the forefront of maritime innovation, providing end clients with a platform that is not only modular and high-performance, but also equipped for the rapidly evolving landscape of autonomous naval and commercial operations.

The UMAA-compliant architecture ensures interoperability and ease of integration with other autonomous systems, making the Aircat Bengal MC a compelling choice for navies, coast guards, and energy operators seeking to future-proof their fleets.

Supporting US DoD and US Navy Priorities in the Indo-Pacific

The vessel directly aligns with the US Department of Defense and US Navy’s strategic push to innovate and expand the capabilities of the US military, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

As a Modular Attack Surface Craft, the Aircat Bengal MC is capable of fulfilling both the US Navy’s and allied nations’ optionally manned combatant needs, offering advanced mission flexibility for a range of defence scenarios.

Its non-ITAR status and modular, dual-use design make it an ideal platform for rapid deployment, experimentation, and operational integration with US and partner forces.

The vessel’s advanced autonomy, high speed, shallow draft, and modular payload system are optimized for littoral environments, key to Indo-Pacific naval defence and maritime security.

A U.S.-Singapore Partnership: Strengthening Bilateral Innovation and Security

The collaboration between US-based Eureka and Singapore-based Strategic Marine exemplifies the power of international partnership in advancing maritime innovation and security.

By combining American technological leadership with Singaporean shipbuilding excellence, this alliance leverages the strengths of both nations to deliver world-class solutions for global clients.

The partnership not only supports the growth of high-value industries in both countries but also fosters knowledge exchange, workforce development, and the creation of resilient supply chains.

Mr Jardine said: “Our collaboration also demonstrates the value of US-Singapore cooperation in driving innovation, strengthening supply chains, and supporting regional security. We are proud to contribute to the US DoD and US Navy’s vision for a more innovative, autonomous, and collaborative maritime force.”

For the United States, this partnership extends the reach of American maritime technology and innovation into the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing its commitment to regional security, allied cooperation, and the US Navy’s vision for a more agile, autonomous, and collaborative maritime force.

For Singapore, it further solidifies the nation’s status as a premier hub for advanced shipbuilding and maritime technology, while opening up new opportunities for the local industry and talent. Together, Eureka and Strategic Marine are well-positioned to support the evolving needs of allied and partner nations, contributing to a safer and more secure maritime environment across the region.

Mr Chan said: “The Aircat Bengal MC, with its modular payload capabilities, large aft deck, and advanced autonomy, exemplifies the future of high-performance vessels for both defence and offshore energy logistics. This partnership not only benefits our companies but also contributes to the broader economic and security interests of both Singapore and the United States, while supporting allied and partner country collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.”

Proven Track Record: Delivering for Global Energy Leaders

Strategic Marine’s shipyard, located in the heart of one of the world’s most important maritime hubs, features modern facilities and a highly skilled workforce. The shipyard is equipped to handle complex, high-specification builds and is renowned for its efficiency, quality assurance, and adherence to international standards.

Notably, Strategic Marine has successfully delivered similar high-performance vessels to major global clients, which demonstrated its ability to meet the stringent requirements of the offshore energy sector. This proven track record underscores Strategic Marine’s capability to deliver reliable, mission-ready craft for both commercial and defence applications.

“Our proven track record of delivering vessels to the oil and gas, offshore renewables, maritime security, passenger ferry, and tourism markets demonstrates our ability to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability,” said Mr Chan.

Strategic Marine’s shipyard is not only capable of delivering individual vessels on schedule, but is also designed to scale up production to meet the needs of clients requiring multiple units or rapid fleet expansion.

With extensive experience in both civilian and military shipbuilding, Strategic Marine can quickly adapt its operations to accommodate increased demand, ensuring that end clients receive their vessels in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Eureka Naval Craft and Strategic Marine: Leaders in Innovation and Execution

Eureka Naval Craft is recognized for its focus on non-ITAR solutions, providing clients with advanced naval vessels, including design and engineering, construction supervision, training, maintenance, and vessel leasing. The company’s innovative SES technology enables the development of high-speed, stable, and adaptable craft that excel in both military and commercial environments.

Strategic Marineis globally respected for its expertise in building high-performance vessels for both civilian and defence markets. With a strong track record of delivering complex shipbuilding projects to the highest standards, Strategic Marine is ideally positioned to bring the Aircat Bengal MC to life, leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities and skilled workforce.