DSA 2024: Poly Defence unveils new unmanned surface vessels

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.