In first, unmanned Israel Navy ship test fires missile

7 March 2017, 3:21 pm

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For the first time, an Israeli Navy unmanned vessel fired a missile during an exercise, Ynet news reports.

For years, the navy has used “Protector” and “Sea Knight” unmanned ships to help patrol the country’s coasts, but these have not typically been outfitted with heavy weaponry.

The “Sea Knight,” which is larger than the “Protector,” comes equipped with remote-controlled machine guns and a water cannon.

But this new model, being developed by the Rafael Systems defense contractor, is believed to be equipped with an interceptor missile that could knock down rocket-propelled grenades and other incoming projectiles, according to Ynet.

The unmanned boats would presumably work in tandem with manned navy gunships and patrol boats.