Israel to receive new version of Rafael’s Protector USV

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has introduced a new version of the non-lethal unmanned surface vessel (USV), Protector, aimed to support Israel Navy’s maritime security as well as border patrols and port security.

Rafael’s land and naval sector corporate vice president and general manager Giora Katz was quoted by The Jerusalem Post as saying, "There is complete redundancy on all of its systems so if something breaks it can keep on working."

Capable of conducting non-lethal missions, Rafael’s new Predator USV is longer, faster, more reliable when compared to that of the older version.

In addition to 360-degree cameras to provide complete coverage for the operator, the new version of the Protector USV is integrated with high-powered non-lethal water hose to support nonlethal missions including preventing Palestinian fisherman from entering restricted area or fleets to the Gaza Strip.

Powered by two engines, the new USV will be capable of providing uninterrupted performance during operations, as it can keep operating on one engine, in case the other fails.

The new USV mission payload involves an electro-optical camera for surveillance and a docking station to enable accommodation of various weapons.

The Israel Navy has been using the original version of the small speedboat to assist in missions off the Gaza coast, according to the news agency.