SubSea Craft unveils MARS – Merchant Navy Updates

UK technology company SubSea Craft has unveiled MARS, a flexible, multi-purpose uncrewed surface vessel developed to meet the demands of the modern environment.

Recent conflicts, including those in the Black Sea, have demonstrated that the rise of uncrewed technology demands a new approach to maritime warfare. SubSea Craft revealed that MARS was purpose-built for this evolving battlespace.

According to the company, MARS was developed in 100 days, and the craft can be equipped with payloads such as active and passive sensors, camera suites, or loitering munitions.

The vessel was designed for missions requiring both kinetic and non-kinetic effects, such as persistent ISR or counter-UAS. It can be launched from platforms already in service with nations around the world, force multiplying capabilities already in existence, it was added.

“There is a clear global need for the responsive development of advanced maritime platforms that can meet evolving force requirements and objectives,” Camilla Martin, CEO of SubSea Craft, said.

“The development of MARS represents another milestone on our international journey. Having been developed in the UK, tested in Australia and the US, we have been able to showcase our ongoing dedication to AUKUS objectives of interoperability and technological synergy between nations.”

“MARS has emerged as a disruptive force for the modern battlespace. Its successful testing following an impressive turnaround from its ideation is testament to SubSea Craft’s cutting-edge approach to accelerated research, development and delivery,” Penny Mordaunt, Chair of SubSea Craft and Former UK Secretary of State for Defence, stated.

In January this year, SubSea Craft signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Greece’s Skaramangas Shipyards for the production and servicing of SubSea Craft’s advanced naval engineering platforms, including VICTA vessel.