Ocean Autonomy Cluster member ACUA Ocean and NORDSEC member Teledyne FLIR Defense have successfully demonstrated an integrated autonomous maritime surveillance solution that combines an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with a tethered unmanned aerial system (UAS). The demonstration, funded by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), marks an important step towards persistent, multi-domain intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for defence and maritime security.

The joint demonstration integrated Teledyne FLIR Defense’s autonomous SkyCarrier™ launch and recovery platform with ACUA Ocean’s Pioneer uncrewed surface vessel. The system enables the SkyRanger® R70 drone to launch, operate and recover autonomously from the remotely operated USV while remaining continuously powered through a managed tether.

By removing the limitations of battery-powered drone operations, the integrated solution provides persistent aerial surveillance while extending the operational reach of the surface vessel. The combined air and surface capability is designed to support long-endurance maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions without exposing personnel to unnecessary risk.

The UKDI-funded programme included two days of demonstrations for representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence and offshore industry partners. The trials validated both the technical integration and the operational performance of the combined system in challenging open-sea conditions.

ACUA Ocean’s Pioneer has already demonstrated its capability during multiple Royal Navy ISR and anti-submarine warfare demonstration programmes. Earlier this year, the vessel successfully operated in wave heights exceeding four metres, providing the stable platform required for continuous tethered drone operations.

The integrated system addresses a growing operational requirement for persistent maritime domain awareness across defence, security and critical infrastructure protection. Potential applications include intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare support, mine countermeasures and surveillance of offshore assets.

“Securing UKDI funding for this demonstrator is a significant milestone for ACUA Ocean and for UK maritime autonomy more broadly. Integrating the SkyRanger R70 with the Pioneer creates something genuinely new: a persistent, deployable multi-domain ISR capability that the Royal Navy can put to sea today,” said Neil Tinmouth, CEO of ACUA Ocean.

Richard Cunha, Principal Product Director, Unmanned Aerial Systems at Teledyne FLIR Defense, highlighted the operational value of the collaboration:

“Pairing the SkyRanger R70 with the Pioneer Mk2’s exceptional sea-keeping capability and endurance opens up a new class of persistent maritime ISR mission that simply wasn’t possible before.”

The project was supported by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), the UK Ministry of Defence’s innovation organisation responsible for accelerating new technologies into operational defence capability.

The successful demonstration illustrates how collaboration between leading autonomous systems developers can deliver integrated, multi-domain solutions for future defence and maritime security operations.