Maritime Security Boost: Kuwait Launches Unmanned Surface Vessels

Kuwait City : In a significant step toward enhancing maritime security, Kuwait has launched Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) capable of operating independently for several days without direct human involvement. The announcement was made by Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al Sabah, Director General of the Coast Guard, who detailed the wide-ranging capabilities of the new vessels.

According to him, the USVs are equipped for continuous monitoring, surveillance, prevention of suspicious maritime activities, support for search and rescue missions, environmental pollution detection, resource protection, and overall enforcement of security across Kuwait’s maritime borders.

The vessels were inaugurated on Monday at the Coast Guard Directorate General by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al Sabah. The ceremony was also attended by Major General Ali Misfer Al-Adwani, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, and Major General Mujbil Fahad bin Shawq, Assistant Undersecretary for Border Security Affairs.

Kuwait’s Coast Guard has implemented this project as part of its efforts to strengthen maritime security using advanced technologies.

Sheikh Fahad also reviewed the new maritime surveillance system, which now covers Kuwait’s entire coastal area. This advanced system integrates coastal radars, sensors, high-resolution cameras, and unmanned surface vessels, all functioning under a centralized AI-based Command and Control system.

In addition to visiting the control center managing the USVs, Sheikh Fahad also inspected the Maritime Operations Center, where he observed how the surveillance mechanisms operate and how maritime units are connected through an electronic command network.

He praised the Coast Guard Directorate General for implementing this critical project, noting that the launch of USVs marks a major leap in modernizing Kuwait’s maritime security infrastructure through advanced technology.