Naval Technology

MARSS Group contract to arm combat ships with AI-powered security

MARSS Group's NiDAR system will be deployed on frontline combat vessels for the first time, enhancing maritime security capabilities.

MARSS Group has signed a deal valued at more than $20m to deploy its NiDAR system on frontline combat ships.

This development signifies a milestone for the company, as its technology will be employed on vessels tasked with combat operations for the first time.

The NiDAR system, known for its command and control (C2) capabilities, has earned acclaim for safeguarding assets and personnel across various domains, including naval vessels, critical infrastructure sites, and urban environments. MARSS Group 2023 successfully installed the NiDAR surface and Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) air surveillance system on the M/V Asterix, a naval auxiliary ship affiliated with the Royal Canadian Navy, marking its debut on a NATO-associated vessel.

Building on this, MARSS Group's latest contract win involves outfitting multiple Corvette-class vessels belonging to a Southeast Asian client with the NiDAR platform and associated sensors. The system's ability to integrate sensors, ranging from sonar to infrared cameras, into a unified user interface aims to promise accuracy and efficiency in detecting and classifying underwater and surface threats.

In 2017, MARSS installed its NiDAR perimeter security system on the first of six offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Malaysian Navy as part of a contract with Malaysia's Boustead Naval Shipyard.

The project, scheduled to commence this year and extend until 2029, represents a leap forward for MARSS Group. Rob Balloch, chief growth officer at MARSS Group, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, emphasising the company's commitment to delivering solutions that prioritise safety and security.

"Securing this contract to deploy NiDAR technology on combat ships underscores our dedication to providing innovative, cost-effective protection solutions," remarked Balloch. "As we venture into uncharted waters with our foray into Navy Corvettes, MARSS Group is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding those entrusted with our collective safety and security."

The first vessel is scheduled for final handover in 2026.

At DSEI 2023, MARSS showcased the latest advancements in its NiDAR network, focusing on integrated capabilities such as autonomous command and control interfaces, threat detection, and counter-UAS technology.