US Navy Deploys Drone Boats to Seize $81 Million Cocaine Shipment
The United States Navy utilized autonomous surface vessels to intercept and seize over $81 million in illegal cocaine within the Caribbean Sea. Two Voyager drone boats, manufactured by California-based Saildrone, tracked the smuggling vessel before coordinating with naval forces. This marks a significant operational milestone for unmanned maritime technology in international counter-narcotics enforcement.
Key points
- Saildrone, a California-based defense technology firm, manufactured the Voyager drone boats used in the operation.
- The US Navy intercepted a smuggling vessel carrying more than $81 million worth of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea.
- Two autonomous Voyager vessels tracked the target craft and coordinated directly with nearby naval personnel to execute the seizure.
- The electric-powered Voyager measures over 10 meters (33 feet) in length and can patrol continuously for more than 100 days.
- Saildrone states the Voyager is currently the only unmanned surface vessel maintaining continuous operations with the Navy's Fourth Fleet.
The United States Navy has successfully utilized autonomous surface vessels to intercept a major drug smuggling operation in the Caribbean Sea, seizing illegal narcotics valued at more than $81 million. The operation involved two Voyager drone boats that tracked a suspect vessel before coordinating directly with naval forces stationed nearby, enabling a naval ship to quickly intercept the craft and secure the illicit cargo.
Built by California-based company Saildrone, the Voyager is an electric-powered unmanned surface vessel measuring over 10 meters (33 feet) in length. Designed for extended maritime surveillance, the platform can operate continuously for more than 100 days prior to requiring maintenance. According to the manufacturer, the Voyager remains the sole unmanned surface vessel maintaining continuous operations with the Navy's Fourth Fleet, which oversees the Caribbean alongside sections of the Atlantic and Pacific near Central and South America.
Sources
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