Sweden’s Saab pitched a new autonomous control system to be used for naval vessels during the Euronaval expo in Paris this month.
The company said this new system, Autonomous Ocean Core (AOC), is agnostic to specific vessels and designed to provide baseline autonomy both on and below the ocean surface no matter if the vessel was originally designed to be unmanned.
Saab described the system as having different modes for maneuvering on a mission, with each supporting “precise control and operational flexibility based on the mission’s need.” It can also operate in “three different manners” tailored to operational needs and safety requirements.
The company said AOC would help facilitate uncrewed versions of missions including mine detection and clearance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
“The development of naval unmanned and autonomous units is progressing, enhancing capabilities for maritime security operations. Autonomous Ocean Core can boost key operational strengths for the dull, dirty, dangerous and dear. This control system gives our customers a tactical edge, increasing availability and efficiency and becoming less dependent on active manpower,” Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Kockums business area, said in a statement.