Eureka Naval Craft has signed an MOU with Singapore shipbuilder Strategic Marine (S) Pte Ltd. to expand production of its AIRCAT BENGAL MC warship in Asia.
The aim of the partnership is to deliver a highly advanced Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) to the US Navy and allied navies quickly, addressing increased threats. The versatile catamaran design can also be retooled for the commercial offshore industry as a workboat.
The AIRCAT BENGAL MC addresses a critical need for navies with advanced lethality, including Tomahawk cruise missile capability, while avoiding the costs and complex design requirements that have hindered naval shipbuilding programs in recent years.
Bo Jardine, Eureka Naval Craft CEO, commented, “By joining forces with Strategic Marine, we are combining American innovation with Singaporean shipbuilding excellence to meet the needs of navies worldwide. The AIRCAT BENGAL MC’s modular payload system, large aft deck range, and speed ensure it is at the forefront of maritime technology—ready to adapt to the ever-evolving threats and mission requirements.“
The 36m multi-mission Surface Effect Ship (SES) can operate as a fully or semi-autonomous vessel. Eureka claims it is the first naval vessel in the world capable of carrying a 40-ton payload, with a top speed of more than 50 knots, depending on payload, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles.
Mr. Chan Eng Yew, Strategic Marine, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Eureka on this groundbreaking project. Our Singapore shipyard is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a highly experienced team, enabling us to deliver complex vessels quickly and at scale.
“The AIRCAT BENGAL MC, with its advanced autonomy, exemplifies the future of high-performance vessels for both defense and offshore energy logistics. This partnership not only benefits our companies, but also contributes to the broader economic and security interests of both Singapore and the United States, while supporting allied and partner country collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.”
Jardine added, “The reality is the naval market in this weight class needs disrupting. Too many vessels today are outdated, sluggish, and expensive. The AIRCAT BENGAL MC provides an alternative to naval corvettes and frigates, thanks to its optimized design and use of modular construction techniques. And the vessel is so versatile it can be used as a troop transport vessel, landing support craft, electronic warfare platform, drone mothership and for mine laying and counter-mine warfare.”
The MOU will further have an AUKUS dimension via Eureka’s partnership with Australian defense company Greenroom Robotics. He said the AIRCAT BENGAL MC has one of the most advanced autonomous navigation systems thanks to deploying the Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) Software system. Greenroom has spent years developing the system notably on a 57m decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat, Sentinel, known as the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT).
The MOU will include an AUKUS dimension through Eureka’s partnership with Australian defense company Greenroom Robotics. The AIRCAT BENGAL MC features one of the most advanced autonomous navigation systems, employing Greenroom’s Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) Software, developed through extensive trials, including on the 57m decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat, Sentinel.
The MOU will also see the AIRCAT BENGAL vessels adapted for the commercial offshore oil and gas sector. The vessel’s ability to move items offshore and provide a fast, safe alternative for personnel transfer are key advantages.
Eureka is currently in talks with US shipyards and the US Navy to build AIRCAT vessels in the United States.
