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.

Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (pictured in October 2021) was deployed to the Red Sea from February–April 2024. (Michael Nitz)

Danish Defence Command has published a report on the technical issues experienced by Royal Danish Navy (RDN) frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F 361) during an engagement on 9 March 2024 in the Red Sea as part of the US-led multinational task force Operation ‘Prosperity Guardian'.

The 13-page report released on 2 May found that a previously unknown issue with the frigate's Raytheon Mk 56 vertical launching system (VLS) was experienced during the engagement, resulting in an inability to use Raytheon RIM-162B Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) for approximately 30 minutes. The engagement, which lasted just under one hour, saw the frigate destroy four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) controlled by the Yemeni rebel group Ansar Allah (popularly known as the Houthis) using previously fired ESSM and 76 mm gunfire.

The Poly Technologies A2000 attack USV on display at DSA 2024. (Janes/Vinod Kumar CV)

Chinese defence company Poly Technologies showcased the A2000, a new next-generation combat unmanned surface vessel (USV), at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 9 May.

The A2000 attack USV has a length of 45 m, a displacement of 280 tonnes, and a top speed of 35 kt. It features twin diesel engines and two controllable pitch propellers.

It is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for surveillance and is integrated with an eight-cell vertical launching system for launching surface-to-air missiles, and 24-cell launchers at both sides for rockets. However, it is not fitted with anti-ship missile launchers.

The USV can co-ordinate with smaller vessels for a swarm attack, provide air defence, and extend its reach via satellite connectivity. Its trimaran hull design minimises radar detection. It also supports vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations for enhanced surveillance, positioning it as a versatile asset for peacetime and conflict scenarios.