French company SEAir has launched a project funded by the European Defence Fund to develop a fully autonomous, uncrewed surface vessel dubbed ARROW.
Unveiled in Brussels and managed through the European Defence Agency, the initiative aims to deliver the system by 2028, under a budget of 7.5 million euros ($8.6 million).
The ARROW is a 12-meter (39-foot) vessel designed to operate either autonomously or with a crew.
Equipped with hydrofoils, it is expected to reach speeds up to 45 knots (52 miles/83 kilometers per hour) with a range of 400 nautical miles (460 miles/740 kilometers).
The design aims to reduce fuel consumption by 50 percent, minimize wake, and support low-visibility operations.
As part of the project, SEAir is leading a consortium of 10 organizations from eight EU member states and associated countries.
The group comprises eight small and medium-sized enterprises and two research and technology organizations, including C&V Defence, D3 Applied Technologies, Knierim Yachtbau, and Maritime Robotics.
Academic and technical partners include Riga Technical University, Tallinn University of Technology, Sierra Tango, Maxwell Applied Tech, and EU3STAR.
With more than 90,000 kilometers (56,000 miles) of coastline and key maritime routes, “Europe faces growing challenges in safeguarding its borders. ARROW addresses these challenges by providing faster, more agile, and cost-effective solutions to detect and respond to new maritime threats,” stated SEAir.
European Defence Fund
The EU is stepping up its defense efforts and accelerating capability development, with the European Commission supporting local industries to enhance regional security.
In May, the Commission allocated 910 million euros ($1.02 billion) through the European Defence Fund, focusing on force mobility and drone defense.
For the first time, Ukrainian industries were also involved in funded projects.
Of the total funding, over 369 million euros ($415 million) will support 39 research projects, while 539 million euros ($606 million) is allocated for 23 development initiatives.
The program follows a broader push outlined in March, when EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented a five-year strategy to mobilize 800 billion euros ($901.6 billion) aimed at strengthening Europe’s defense sector.
