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SEA.AI’s advanced optical situational awareness system, Watchkeeper, has been fully integrated into the USV12, a 12-meter naval platform designed for both crewed and fully autonomous operations.
The USV12 is a collaborative development involving VN Maritime and Havelsan, with support from Piloda Defence and VN Maritime Shipyard. Built upon the patented Rafnar ÖK Hull, the vessel offers exceptional stability and wave-impact reduction even in challenging sea conditions. It is engineered for high-speed performance, capable of exceeding 40 knots, and is designed to undertake diverse missions across defense, maritime security, and search and rescue sectors.
The integration of SEA.AI’s Watchkeeper serves as a critical component of the USV12’s autonomy and mission-readiness. The system enables real-time detection and classification of objects that are often invisible to radar or non-cooperative, including small boats, low-profile floating hazards, and individuals in the water. Fully integrated into the vessel’s control architecture, the technology ensures reliable object tracking and visual detection even at night. This capability is essential for navigation in low-visibility, high-traffic, or GPS- and AIS-denied maritime environments.
Marcus Warrelmann, CEO of SEA.AI, said, “This integration shows that optical AI is now a critical layer for autonomous naval operations. We’re proud to support our partners in delivering platforms that are both technically advanced and field ready.”
The project represents a merger of mechanical engineering and advanced mission systems. Orkun Özek, Chairman of VN Maritime, said, “With the USV12 project, our ambition is to bring together proven seakeeping performance with advanced autonomous capabilities. Our partnership with Havelsan demonstrates how our engineering can successfully merge innovation and operational reliability, offering a robust platform for both defense and search and rescue missions.”
Havelsan, a key partner in the development, contributed its expertise in integrated mission systems to the platform.
Deniz Remzi Dumlu, Director of Naval Programs at Havelsan, said, “The collaboration on USV12 confirms Havelsan’s dedication to shaping the future of unmanned naval technologies. By combining VN Maritime’s expertise in high-performance naval platforms with Havelsan’s integrated mission systems, we are creating a solution that will strengthen maritime security and enhance operational effectiveness for our partners.”
Donato Di Palo, CEO of Piloda Shipyard Division and Co-Founder of Piloda Group, added, “With the USV12 project, our goal is not only to address immediate operational needs in search and rescue, surveillance and military tasks, but also to deliver solutions that integrate automation, reliability and high operational standards.”
By combining the high-performance Rafnar hull with advanced optical and thermal vision systems, the USV12 establishes a new benchmark for hybrid naval operations, ensuring situational awareness and mission reliability in complex environments.
