DSEI Japan 2025: ATLA, MHI to develop combat USV
A model of the combat USV being developed by Japan's ATLA in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries displayed at the DSEI Japan 2025 show being held in Chiba. (Janes/Oishee Majumdar)
The Japan Ministry of Defense's (MoD's) Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) is collaborating with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to develop an unmanned surface vessel (USV) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Speaking to Janes at the DSEI Japan 2025 show being held in Chiba from 21 to 23 May, an ATLA official said the USV is intended to support the JMSDF's destroyers in their combat operations.
The project is currently at a design stage with a prototype of the USV expected to be developed by the end of 2027, the official added.
Janes understands that the USV will have a length of between 40 and 50 m.
The ATLA official said the USV will be equipped with weapons including surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) and torpedoes for combat. It will also be integrated with sensors including an electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) camera and a radar to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
The official declined to comment on the desired speed of the USV.
For more information, please see IAV 2025: Japan develops unmanned amphibious vehicle .
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