US Marine Corps shows off unmanned ship armed with Hero 120 kamikaze drones

The US Marine Corps has decided to demonstrate one of its Long Range Unmanned Surface Vessels. One of its features is the presence of kamikaze drones on board.

Here's What We Know

Photos of the drone ship were published by the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic. The images show the Israeli-made Hero 120 kamikaze drone launcher.

The ship is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance and enemy intelligence gathering. If necessary, the ship is capable of carrying out long missions and transporting munitions along a specified route. A bonus feature is the ability to track and destroy targets both at sea and on land.

The FY2024 budget request notes that the ship is capable of operating alone or in a group with other unmanned vessels. The US Navy is requesting $25.25 million to refine the communications architecture and improve equipment.

As for Hero 120, it is a kamikaze drone with a range of over 60 km. Its flight time is about 1 hour. The drone is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing more than 4 kg. By the way, the US Marine Corps formally procures a special version of the Hero 120 OPF, but it is not known how it differs from the standard one.

Source: The War Zone