Elbit’s New Maritime Concept Turns Merchant Ships Into Floating Drone Bases

Instead of building another billion-dollar aircraft carrier, Elbit Systems wants to turn commercial ships into floating drone bases that can extend the reach of unmanned aircraft far beyond shore.

The concept intends to introduce an accessible form of maritime presence, establishing “floating remote aerial bases” capable of launching, recovering, and supporting drone operations at sea.

Each ship could carry about 12 unmanned aerial systems (UAS), supported by dedicated deck infrastructure, control networks, and mission systems.

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