Mar 26, 2026 11:31 AM
Updated Mar 26, 2026 11:35 AM
New Zealand is expanding its naval capabilities with WHAI, an all-electric, jet-powered unmanned surface vessel designed for near-silent operation and a reduced thermal signature.
New Zealand is expanding its naval capabilities with WHAI, an all-electric, jet-powered unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for near-silent operation and a reduced thermal signature.
The vessel can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (35 miles/56 kilometers per hour) and features a low-profile design intended to support covert operations in contested maritime environments.
Its modular payload bay can accommodate up to 350 kilograms (770 pounds) of equipment, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensors and communications relay systems.
Read the full story on NextGen Defense: New Zealand Rolls Out Jet-Powered USV With All-Electric Powertrain
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USV•New Zealand•autonomous systems•jets•jet engine•Autonomous Surface Vessel•unmanned surface vessel•uncrewed surface vessel
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