Naval Technology

The MQ-72C Lakota Connector draws on the H145 and UH-72 Lakota light twin-engine helicopters. Credit: Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 3,800kg and can carry JMIC and ordnance containers cargo. Credit: Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. The MQ-72C Lakota Connector’s open autonomy framework supports the integration of additional technologies. Credit: Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

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Hundreds of oil and LNG tankers remain stranded in Gulf waters amid growing hostilities, highlighting the scale of disruption at the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy checkpoints. US naval escort operations are likely to increase the cost of maritime energy transport, due to convoy procedures, slower transit speeds, longer waiting times, and higher war-risk premiums.

DriX is the first USV to be certified by both BV and Lloyds. Credit: Exail. The platform has already demonstrated robust performance during key multinational operations by major naval forces. Credit: Exail. The DriX H-8 offers strong seakeeping and stability in conditions up to Sea State 5 and is designed to operate autonomously. Credit: Exail. The DriX H-8 is a medium-range uncrewed surface vessel (USV) produced by Exail (previously iXblue) and is part of the wider DriX family.

HII’s ROMULUS is a family of long-endurance USVs intended for prolonged open-ocean missions. Credit: HII. ROMULUS’ launch and recovery systems can support REMUS UUVs, UAVs and smaller ROMULUS crafts. Credit: HII. ROMULUS is a family of long-endurance unmanned surface vessels (USVs) designed for prolonged open-ocean missions. The USVs are being developed and built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the largest shipbuilder in the US.

A small nuclear reactor is loaded into the back of a C-17 Globemaster III, 15 February 2026. Credit: US Department of Defense.

The Jacques Chevallier-class support ships are the French Navy’s future supply vessels. Credit: Chantiers de l’Atlantique/Creasynth. CdA received the forward section of the first LSS ship at the Castellammare di Stabia naval shipyard, Italy, in November 2021. Credit: Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The keel-laying ceremony of the Jacques Chevallier LSS was held in February 2021. Credit: Fincantieri. The lead vessel, the Jacques Chevallier, was delivered to the French Navy in July 2023. Credit: OCCAR.

The latest order increases the number of submarines that are planned for the Royal Norwegian Navy from four to six. Credit: TKMS. TKMS has secured an extended order from the Norwegian government for two additional Type 212CD submarines. The latest order increases the number of submarines that are planned for the Royal Norwegian Navy from four to six.

The demonstration of L3Harris’ Red Wolf in 2025 paved the way for the Precision Attack Strike Munitions programme. Credit: US Marine Corps. US Naval Air Systems Command has selected L3Harris Technologies to develop the Red Wolf vehicles for the Precision Attack Strike Munition initiative of the Marine Corps. This selection is aimed at enhancing the long-range precision weapons capabilities essential for modern warfare.

The Mk2/E will enter service with the Italian Navy alongside the earlier Teseo Mk2/A. Credit: MBDA. The Teseo Mk2/E undertook its first successful test firing in October 2024. Credit: MBDA. The Teseo Mk2/E is a long-range anti-ship missile system developed by MBDA to meet the long-term operational needs for shipborne deployment.