New defense system could protect cargo ships from drones

By Dean Murray

A new defense system will see cargo ships protected by a towed craft and a drone able to blast threats.

DARPA, the research and development agency of the United States Department of Defense, is developing the system to help defend vulnerable commercial ships and naval logistics vessels against threats such as attack drones and pirates.

The announcement comes amid increasing drone and missile attack threats on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.

This month, the agency selected tech firm Raytheon to design, build and demonstrate the system as part of its "Pulling Guard" program.

More from this section

ByteDance vows to boost safeguards after AI model infringement claims

Peru Congress impeaches interim president after four months in office

3 generations of Black Philadelphia students report persistent anti-Black attitudes in schools

The system would see the drone's sensors scanning the area for threats, which could include incoming hostile unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).

The towed watercraft would then be able to deploy defence countermeasures, which may include directed-energy weapons, missiles, electronic jamming systems or other weapons.

Phase one of the programme will focus on simulated engagements to evaluate system performance and operator workflows. In phase two, the system will transition to integrating operational launchers and effectors for live operations.

Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, said: "Through this development, we are advancing critical security technologies for commercial shipping in regions like the Red Sea.

"By integrating our proven expertise in command and control, high-performance sensing and effectors, we will deliver a scalable, cost-effective solution that minimises risks to both cargo and naval assets."