DSA 2024: Poly Defence unveils new unmanned surface vessels

The 7.5 m Scout S45 surveillance USV and a 15 m Cavalry A150 attack USV are pictured on display at DSA 2024. The A2000 surveillance and attack USV is seen in the background. (Janes/Vinod Kumar CV)

China's Poly Defence displayed models of a series of new combat and reconnaissance unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and diver support vessels at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

The displayed vessels included the Scout S45 surveillance USV, the Cavalry A150 attack USV, the A2000 attack and surveillance USV, the SDV-1 surface/underwater diver delivery vehicle, and the UPV-3D underwater diver propulsion vehicle.

The company provided few details about the products, apart from clarifying that all vessels were under development. The company also confirmed that a separate project is under way to deploy the systems in a networked environment for co-ordinated reconnaissance and combat operations in littoral waters.

A Poly Defence official also said the Scout S45 surveillance USV and Cavalry A150 attack USV can be networked with each other to carry out coastal interdiction operations. The A2000 USV is integrated, although its specific role was not stated.

The Scout S45 surveillance USV has a length of 7.5 m and displaces 4.5 tonnes. It is a monohull USV designed for surveillance in inshore waters. It features an S-band surveillance radar in the forward section and a navigational radar on the main mast.

The vessel is integrated with an electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) surveillance and tracking system on the main mast and a larger one at its stern. The vessel is powered by two inboard engines and, according to Poly Defence, can attain a maximum speed of 40 km/h.