FEINDEF 2025: SEAD 23 USV displayed in multiple configurations

Seadrone's SEAD 23 multi-purpose USV was showcased at the Spanish Navy's stand at FEINDEF 2025 equipped with radar, electro-optical/infrared camera, and AIS. (Andrew White)

The Spanish Navy showcased a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) capability at the International Defence and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF) 2025 held in Madrid from 12 to 14 May.

The navy exhibited a variant of Seadrone's SEAD 23 multi-purpose USV, equipped with radar, electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) camera and automatic identification system (AIS).

Speaking to Janes, a Spanish Navy official said the USV was destined to provide surveillance and tactical support to Civil Guard rescue patrols monitoring immigration flows into the Canary Islands. The deployment is expected to happen in 2026 at the latest, the official added.

According to Spanish Navy literature exhibited at FEINDEF 2025, the USV is designed for “surveillance and naval support missions in coastal waters”.

“Equipped with sensors and the capability to integrate various future payloads (loitering munitions, remote weapon stations, surface-to-air missiles, electronic warfare or counter-UAS systems), it offers high speed and autonomy. It is conceived as an extension of the mother ship's anti-surface and maritime surveillance capabilities in coastal environments,” the literature stated.

The USV participated in Exercise ‘REPMUS' (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Unmanned Systems) with the Spanish Navy in September 2023 at Troia Bay, Portugal. However, the navy official said there are currently no plans to weaponise the USV.

Seadrone also exhibited the SEAD 23 USV in a very different configuration, featuring the same sensors as the Spanish Navy variant but with the addition of Leonardo's Lionfish 12.7 mm Ultralight remote weapon station and a multicanister launcher carrying three Milvus loitering munitions, designed by Swarming Technologies & Solutions. Both Swarming and Seadrone are owned by the Zelenza Group.