Poland has started testing autonomous naval drones (aka Unmanned Surface Vehicles – USVs) made by HavocAI, a California-based company. These Ukraine-like naval patrolling tactics are part of Poland’s plan to improve its sea defenses and respond to Russian actions in the Baltic Sea.
Poland’s special forces unit JW Formoza led the recent testing exercise of the naval drones, which were tried out at night. These USVs collected signals, and practiced sneaking into secure areas, using methods similar to those used by Ukraine in the Black Sea, as reported by Army Recognition and Intelligence Online.
The trials took place near Gdynia, a major port in northern Poland. The recent naval drone drills signal that Warsaw is interested in using unmanned boats because they are affordable and easy to use in large numbers. The drones are similar to the Sea Baby and Magura V5 models used by Ukraine against the Russian navy.
Naval Drones: What is the latest tech tested by Poland?
Poland tested 2 types of HavocAI’s Rampage drones—Gen 1 and Gen 2. Both can carry up to 300 pounds (about 136 kilograms). They also have solar panels to help them last longer on missions.
Poland is not only copying Ukraine’s tactics, but also changing them to fit the Baltic Sea. In this region, stopping enemy movement and launching many attacks at once is important. Poland is also adding “Warmate” attack drones, which Ukraine has used in battle, to its own military forces.
HavocAI is a young company, started just 18 months ago. It focuses on making cheap and easy-to-build sea drones. The company already has two versions of its Rampage drones and is building more. These drones can be used in the US, Europe, and the Pacific.
What makes these naval drones powerful?
Each Rampage drone can carry about 300 pounds (136 kg). Solar panels help them stay active longer. With Starlink satellite systems, the drones can be controlled from far away in real time, just like Ukraine has done. A special feature is that one person can control many Rampage drones at the same time, from anywhere in the world.
This makes it possible to launch many attacks at once. Each Rampage drone costs about $100,000, so Poland and its NATO allies can buy many of them without spending too much.