PARIS, — June 16, 2026 : Spanish defense company ARMMO Defense Technologies unveiled its new autonomous unmanned surface vessel (USV), the ARW39CAT-A, during Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. The vessel is designed to operate without a crew and forms part of the company's expanding portfolio of autonomous systems operating across land, sea, and air domains.
The unveiling marks the platform's first public appearance following participation in NATO-linked validation exercises. The ARW39CAT-A combines high speed, modular mission capabilities, and a substantial payload capacity for reconnaissance, force protection, logistics support, and strike operations.
ARW39CAT-A Designed for Multi-Mission Operations
The ARW39CAT-A is a 12-meter tactical catamaran with a beam of 3.8 meters. Constructed from composite materials, the twin-hull design provides enhanced stability for operations in coastal and littoral environments, supporting the effective use of onboard sensors and mission systems.
The vessel can reach speeds of 45 to 50 knots (83–93 km/h) and has a tactical radius of up to 540 nautical miles, approximately 1,000 kilometers. It supports a configurable payload capacity ranging from 800 to 1,200 kilograms, enabling deployment across a wide range of operational scenarios.
Designed for remote operation within a networked multi-domain architecture, the platform can support naval forces by extending surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat capabilities beyond conventional operating distances.
Modular Payload and Combat Systems
The ARW39CAT-A features a modular architecture that allows rapid reconfiguration for different mission requirements, including anti-ship operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, and short-range air defense (SHORAD) against hostile drones.
The platform can be equipped with:
- Advanced surveillance and reconnaissance sensors
- Electronic warfare and signals intelligence systems
- A 30mm remotely operated turret
- Side-mounted missile launchers
- Multiple aerial interceptor drones mounted on the bow
The vessel also supports unmanned aerial operations as part of integrated multi-domain missions.
NATO Validation Exercises
Prior to its public debut, the ARW39CAT-A and other ARMMO systems were evaluated during the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI) exercises in Slovakia under NATO LANDCOM leadership.
During the multinational exercises, the company's technologies achieved operational validation in two areas:
- Kinetic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Defeat System
- Tactical, Mobile, Networked Aerial Threat Protection
The exercises assessed the performance of ARMMO's surveillance, early warning, and counter-drone technologies in operational conditions.
Additional Systems on Display
Alongside the ARW39CAT-A, ARMMO is showcasing several autonomous and electronic warfare systems at Eurosatory 2026.
BANDIT-X Interceptor Drone
The BANDIT-X is a high-speed tactical interceptor drone capable of reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. It is designed to physically neutralize hostile drones and operates with acoustic beacons and inertial navigation systems, allowing continued functionality in GPS-denied and electronic warfare environments.
GULL Tactical Bomber Drone
The GULL unmanned tactical bomber can carry payloads of up to 14 kilograms, equivalent to three 81mm mortar grenades. The system is designed for precision payload delivery during tactical missions.
AURIS Early Warning Network
AURIS is a network of active acoustic beacons developed to provide early threat detection and improve situational awareness on the battlefield.
These systems were previously demonstrated during the Spanish Army's Tactical Experimentation Campaign in Almería in April 2026.
Industrial Expansion in Spain
The launch of the ARW39CAT-A coincides with the development of a major manufacturing and integration complex in Zafra, Extremadura, in southwestern Spain.
The facility covers 26,000 square meters and is intended to become one of Europe's largest production centers dedicated to drones, autonomous platforms, and advanced defense technologies.
The site will centralize:
- Manufacturing and assembly
- Electronic systems integration
- Composite materials production
- Research and development activities
- Specialized training programs
The facility is expected to strengthen Spain's industrial capacity in autonomous defense technologies and support the production of next-generation unmanned systems.
Expanding Role of Autonomous Systems
The introduction of the ARW39CAT-A reflects the growing adoption of autonomous maritime platforms within modern defense forces. Increasing demand for unmanned systems capable of conducting surveillance, force protection, electronic warfare, and strike missions has accelerated investment in multi-domain autonomous technologies.
With its combination of high speed, modular payload options, and integration with aerial and land-based autonomous systems, the ARW39CAT-A represents ARMMO's latest development in the expanding unmanned defense sector.
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