Australian marine autonomy expert Greenroom Robotics and US-based defense company Eureka Naval Craft will showcase what they claim is the world’s most advanced autonomous naval attack vessel at the Sea Air and Space Exhibition in Maryland, USA, April 6-9
The AIRCAT Bengal MC (Module Carrier) is a cutting-edge 36-meter Surface Effect Ship (SES) designed for multi-mission operations, with autonomy and artificial intelligence systems developed by Greenroom.
Developed in collaboration with ESNA Naval Architects, the AIRCAT Bengal MC is engineered to advance naval warfare. It is said to be the first autonomous vessel globally capable of carrying a 40-tonne payload, including two 40-foot ISO modules. With a top speed exceeding 50 knots, dependent on payload, the vessel also boasts an impressive range of 1,000 nautical miles. These capabilities make the AIRCAT Bengal MC a versatile platform for various mission profiles, such as troop transport, landing support, electronic warfare, drone operations, mine laying, and counter-mine warfare.
Bo Jardine, CEO of Eureka Naval Craft, highlighted that this vessel will be offered to the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and allied forces, including AUKUS and NATO nations, as well as partners like Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Its adaptability across mission types and operational theaters makes it a game-changing asset in modern naval operations.
Jardine said, “We’re very excited to reveal the AIRCAT Bengal MC. This is a high-speed, high-tech ship able to operate crewed and uncrewed. It is further bristling with lethality and can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and anti-ship Naval Strike Missiles (NSM). This ‘force projection’ capability is very important as it de-risks the reliance on much bigger, more expensive crewed warships to fire missiles. The reality is the naval market in this weight class needs disrupting. Too many vessels today are outdated, sluggish, and expensive. The AIRCAT Bengal MC offers a very fast alternative ship which is armed to the teeth, can be made autonomous, and has the capability to carry much heavier payloads at speed, increasing lethality.”
Jardine also stated lower building cost is a key advantage of the Bengal MC, he added, “The vessel stands out by providing a more cost-effective solution compared to current naval corvettes and frigates, thanks to its optimized design and use of modular construction techniques that reduce both manufacturing and repair costs. Furthermore, the Bengal MC’s superior fuel efficiency and lower operational overhead make it an attractive option for navies looking to maximize their budgets while maintaining advanced capabilities.”
James Keane, CEO of Greenroom Robotics, emphasized that the AIRCAT Bengal MC will feature the most advanced autonomous navigation systems available. The vessel’s software will enhance human operators through all operational phases, ensuring the craft stays ahead of emerging maritime threats. This integration is crucial for complex missions involving surface warfare, drone and missile defense, special operations, and rapid response scenarios. The “humans-in-the-loop” software will foster an effective human-machine partnership throughout all stages of operation.
Keane said, “This is a terrific ship and we’re delighted to be working with Bo Jardine and the Eureka team on the software. The AIRCAT Bengal MC will benefit from the proven Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) Software system Greenroom have spent years developing and had validated on a 57m decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat, Sentinel, known as the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT).
“PBAT was rapidly executed to become one of the most successful autonomy projects ever undertaken on a naval vessel where Greenroom collaborated with Trusted Autonomous Systems, Austal Australia and the Royal Australian Navy. Drawing on this expertise the AIRCAT Bengal MC will have state-of-the-art AI-driven advanced situational awareness, and swarm-ready fleet enablement systems allowing naval or coastguard crews to operate with unparalleled precision, safety, and effectiveness in high-threat maritime scenarios.”
The AIRCAT Bengal MC joins Eureka’s growing fleet of AIRCAT vessels, including the Bengal, Lynx, Jaguar, and Panther. Each vessel is tailored for specific missions such as fast attack, reconnaissance, rescue, high-speed troop transport, and unmanned logistics. Thanks to a modular design, clients can customize these vessels according to their specific operational needs.
Eureka’s fleet of vessels is built to optimize speed-to-weight ratios, fuel efficiency, and endurance, offering longer operational times with reduced emissions. The innovative design also ensures better ride qualities compared to traditional vessels, improving weapon system accuracy, minimizing crew strain, and reducing wear on sensitive payloads and equipment.
With its advanced capabilities and versatility, the AIRCAT Bengal MC is seen as a significant leap forward in autonomous naval vessel design, setting new standards for future naval operations.
