iscover
EDGE Defence has unveiled a new, entirely electrical vessel to be used in defence operations across the Indo-Pacific.
The New Zealand based defence company announced the WHAI uncrewed surface vessel (USV) last week, emphasising its electric jet propulsion features as a critical capability for the vessel that will be used in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as training missions.
“WHAI reflects our commitment to delivering cost-effective, future-proofed, deployable capability for defence and security clients,” said John Gell, general manager of EDGE Defence.
WHAI has a range of advanced features such as a modular payload bay and remote operation systems, making it operable as an ISR vessel while having the capacity to join larger networks or joint operations.
“We are seeing a clear shift toward autonomous and uncrewed systems that can extend operational reach while reducing risk to personnel,” Gell added.
“WHAI has been designed from the ground up to meet that need – combining low-signature performance, modularity and rapid deployability in a New Zealand-developed platform.”
The standout feature of the USV is it’s entirely electric propulsion system that can reach over 30 knots in speed over ground and incorporates solar panels for extended endurance.
These features emphasise WHAI as a sustainable choice as the demand for “maritime awareness” increases in the Australia/New Zealand region in the Indo-Pacific.
Gell said the new USV will support not just naval operations but local supply chains and industry workers, highlighting the strong support of industry manufacturing and production in the process of development.
“Backed by the support of over 10 local suppliers and subcontractors, WHAI demonstrates how sovereign industry capability can deliver outstanding capability in short time frames.”
Trials for the USV will continue later this year.
