Spanish Navy Enters Unmanned Era With First USV

The Spanish Navy has received its first unmanned surface vessel (USV), marking the beginning of manned-unmanned teaming within the fleet.

The Sead 23 has been assigned to the CEVENTA unit, based at the naval base in Rota, southern Spain.

Designed from the outset as a dedicated unmanned maritime platform, the USV is intended for maritime support and surveillance missions, including patrol, escort, target detection and tracking, coastal reconnaissance, and seabed survey operations.

Features

Spanish manufacturer Seadrone, a subsidiary of Zelenza group, was contracted to deliver the 7-meter (23-foot) platform in November 2024 for 1.1 million euros ($1.29 million).

The vessel has a beam of 2.32 meters (7.61 feet), a draft of 57 centimeters (1.87 feet), and a payload capacity of 600 kilograms (1,323 pounds), including fuel and a range of mission sensors or actuators.

Its modular design enables the integration of satellite communications, advanced sensors, and additional payloads, including remote weapon stations and loitering munitions.

Constructed from fiberglass, the USV is powered by a 320-horsepower diesel engine driving a waterjet propulsion system, allowing speeds of up to 36 knots (66.7 kilometers/41.4 miles per hour).

At an economical speed of 4 knots (7.4 kilometers/4.6 miles per hour), the vessel’s endurance can be extended to up to one week.

Enhances Operational Flexibility

The Sead 23 enhances the Spanish Navy’s operational flexibility by carrying out high-risk missions that reduce personnel exposure and enable manned-unmanned teaming.

It supports amphibious operations through rapid landing-zone surveys and bathymetric reconnaissance, and contributes to mine countermeasures by deploying sonar or underwater vehicles to detect and neutralize threats at stand-off distances.

The Sead 23 has been demonstrated in national and international exercises, including OCEAN 2020, REP(MUS), DÉDALO 23, and BALTOPS 24.

Operator training is underway ahead of a testing campaign scheduled for 2026.