US and Australian firms unveil autonomous naval strike craft

A new design for a fast, modular naval vessel capable of autonomous operations and missile launch has been unveiled by US defence company Eureka Naval Craft and Australian autonomy specialists Greenroom Robotics.

The AIRCAT Bengal MC, a 36-metre Surface Effect Ship, is being pitched as a multi-mission platform that combines high speed, significant payload capacity, and cutting-edge software autonomy tools. The design will be showcased at the upcoming Sea Air and Space Exhibition in Maryland.

While heavily promoted as a potential disruptor in the naval domain, the vessel remains in the development stage. Eureka says it is targeting potential customers across NATO and Indo-Pacific partners, including AUKUS countries, with the aim of offering a lower-cost, modular alternative to traditional corvettes and frigates.

According to Eureka, the AIRCAT Bengal MC is expected to reach speeds exceeding 50 knots—subject to payload—and carry up to 40 tonnes of equipment. In theory, that could include two ISO container-sized modules for mission-specific systems or armaments. The firm also claims it will be capable of operating either crewed or uncrewed, depending on the mission.

The vessel’s stated capabilities include acting as a launch platform for cruise and anti-ship missiles, operating as a troop transport or drone carrier, and performing in roles such as electronic warfare or mine countermeasures.

The autonomy element is being developed by Greenroom Robotics, which has previously worked on Australian Navy trials with decommissioned patrol boats. The company’s GAMA (Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy) software will be integrated into the vessel to enable AI-assisted situational awareness, navigation, and fleet coordination.

Greenroom CEO James Keane said the Bengal MC would incorporate “swarm-ready fleet enablement systems allowing naval or coastguard crews to operate with unparalleled precision, safety, and effectiveness in high-threat maritime scenarios.”

Bo Jardine, CEO of Eureka Naval Craft, described the Bengal MC as a “high-speed, high-tech ship able to operate crewed and uncrewed… bristling with lethality.” He added that the design aimed to provide “a cost-effective solution compared to current naval corvettes and frigates, thanks to its modular construction techniques.”

No navies have yet publicly confirmed interest in acquiring the design, but Eureka states that the platform will be offered to the US Navy and Marine Corps, as well as to allies such as Japan, South Korea, and several Southeast Asian states.

The vessel joins a growing portfolio of designs from Eureka under the “AIRCAT” label, including concepts for logistics, reconnaissance, and rescue missions. While many of the performance claims are ambitious, actual deployment and procurement will depend on how the concept performs in trials and whether it can meet operational and budgetary demands of prospective buyers.