Saildrone has presented the concept of a new large unmanned warship, named Spectre, designed for complex naval operations.
The vessel was designed to carry out tasks such as anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering and offensive missions, representing a significant advancement over the company’s previous models after years of development and field experience.
At 52 meters in length and around 250 tons, Spectre stands out for its size and expanded operational capacity, capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 knots. The project envisions two distinct versions: one focused on long, discreet missions with wind-assisted propulsion, and another geared toward faster, high-impact operations, prioritizing performance and attack capability.
The vessel uses a hybrid system that combines wind, solar energy and diesel engines, allowing for silent operation at low speeds and high performance when needed. In addition, it was designed to carry different types of equipment, such as sensors, modular systems and weaponry, increasing its versatility across a variety of maritime scenarios.
Tests with scaled models have already validated the project’s performance under different conditions, and the platform has received preliminary safety certification. In partnership with Lockheed Martin, Saildrone aims to integrate advanced systems into the vessel. Production is expected to take place in the United States, with sea trials of the first unit scheduled to begin in 2027.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @LockheedMartin | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
A new class of unmanned surface vehicle—the @Saildrone Spectre—was unveiled for the first time this week.
In partnership with Saildrone, we’ll integrate numerous payloads onto Spectre, providing persistent, flexible maritime capability in contested environments. #SAS2026 pic.twitter.com/kv2pCVKS6g
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) April 21, 2026
