Successful Experimentation Prior to Dynamic Messenger

Navantia Sistemas recently achieved a ‘first’ for the Spanish Navy, integrating an unmanned vehicle (UxV) into the SCOMBA combat system of a naval vessel during tests in preparation for the NATO Dynamic Messenger exercise.

Using the Navantia-developed NAIAD (Naval Advanced Integrated Autonomous vehicles Defence) system, SCOMBA consoles monitored data and video received from the Vendaval USV, and tested Communications between USV, control platform and a shore station. The Navy described the tests as “a historic milestone” for the service.

Dynamic Messenger will take place next September in Portugal, with the objective of testing operational concepts and doctrines for the use of UxV in naval tactical operations. Following the good results achieved in the 2021 REPMUS exercises with Spanish participation, the Spanish Navy will participate with the BAM Audaz, whose combat system will integrate, through NAIAD, three USV and a UAV.