The 5 Best Underwater Drones For Defence Use

Defence professionals have vastly different requirements for their autonomous underwater vehicles than hobbyists or photographers. Sourcing a high-quality machine from a company specialising in defensive applications is essential for getting a durable product that is well-tested and compliant with regulations. What are the best underwater drones for defence use?

1. Deep Trekker

Deep Trekker creates the most cost-effective remotely operated vehicles meant for underwater traversal. Its DTG2 is designed for military applications due to its durable cast aluminum construction, which allows it to withstand harsh conditions and environmental stress. The team’s quality control protocols are among the most rigorous on the market, with a focus on heavy industries, including military and research applications. With top-of-the-line GPS, 4K cameras, rotational sensors and long tethers, Deep Trekker models see and hear everything to support safety.

2. Kongsberg

Kongsberg’s maritime technologies have helped fishers and naval workers alike for hundreds of years. It prides itself on its 30,000 deployed machines, which are built on energy efficiency and continuous research and development. It specialises in global naval technology, with some of the best sonar and navigation systems. Kongsberg has strong ties with NATO, setting itself apart as a trusted resource for subsea communication and traversal. 

3. Kraken Robotics

Kraken Robotics operates in Canada and specialises in underwater robotics and synthetic-aperture sonar. It also develops intelligent systems, making its drones some of the smartest available. With advanced lidar sensing and sub-bottom imaging, it can identify almost anything for naval operators. Its equipment is also known for its extraordinary battery life. These drones swim for over 30 countries around the globe, demonstrating what great surveying and mine detection look like.

4. Fugro

Fugro is a pro at underwater assets identification and categorisation. Its underwater drones are great for defence because of their high geospatial intelligence, making them perfect for surveillance. Fugro promises rapid deployment for any application, which is why its technologies are some of the most prominent in the world, with over 1,000,000 hours of uptime. The drones also have remote data processing, subsea inspection and repair features, cloud processing, and satellite positioning potential. 

5. Saab

Saab is a pioneer in Swedish drone engineering. Its machines have been helping military and naval organisations for decades, with specialties in mine reconnaissance, protecting exclusive economic zones and preserving critical infrastructure. They are launchable from any dock or pier and feature a modular design, making them some of the easiest to plug-and-play into any military operation. Saab’s tech is already featured in many existing military programs, making it a known and reliable leader in the industry. 

What Makes an Underwater Drone Suited for Defence Applications?

The methodology for choosing the best subsea drones required determining the essential qualities. These designs must feature unique traits compared to other underwater drones because of their use case. 

Autonomy

Defensive missions are often dangerous and feature many unknowns. Countries want to send as few people underwater as possible, meaning drones need to be trustworthy and smart enough to operate on their own. Using data and artificial intelligence, many can make real-time decisions and achieve complex assignments easily.

Scalability

Militaries may want to invest in a fleet that is buildable. If the models are too expensive, defensive postures could become thin. Drone manufacturers should design machinery with swarming and buildability in mind, so countries can invest in the number of drones they feel comfortable with.

Situational Awareness

Some drones do not care if they are seen by aquatic creatures or even other drones. However, underwater military drones need to be stealthy and reactive to minimize risk and protect national security. It must also be able to accurately categorise threats while in hiding. 

Accessibility

Many people entering the military have no experience operating, repairing or overseeing autonomous equipment. This is why user accessibility is essential, allowing everyone to be trained to safely use and preserve defence drones. Engineering a high skill ceiling for operation prevents technicians from responding to threats or preserving their longevity.

FAQ About Underwater Defence Drones

Researching which underwater drones are best for defence use can raise additional questions.

Does the Military Have Underwater Drones?

Yes, and they come in many forms. They can be large and small, armed and not, and high-tech and lower-tech. Unmanned underwater vehicles have been around for decades to detect objects on the ocean floor and map the surrounding area with sonar. They can also remove mines and perform other reconnaissance assignments. Underwater drone versatility is only becoming more prominent as models increase their capabilities. 

What Is the Deepest an Underwater Drone Can Go?

This depends on the type of underwater drone. Professional and defence-grade drones can sink to 1,000 feet without issue and potentially go deeper if an onboard crew is operating them. Personal drones for individual applications will not be able to go as deep.

Do You Need a License for an Underwater Drone?

The rules for underwater drone traversal are still developing. Some water bodies are protected by federal and local bodies, preventing access, but note that they are often treated differently from drone regulations in airspaces. 

Underwater drones have unique rules, especially for commercial use. Business licenses are sometimes required if they generate income. Most of the time, licenses are not required. Defensive agencies may require training or other prerequisites before operating them on behalf of the military. 

What Are the Best Underwater Drones for Defence Use?

Several organisations have engineered the most impressive and value-driven pieces of equipment for defence applications, with durability, cost-effectiveness and safety as priorities for users. Contact one of these companies today to explore the next generation of underwater robotics and see the future of naval defence.