Protector

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV)

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Protector

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV)

General Information

The Protector unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and as to their website was the first operational combat USV in service.

The Protector is remotely controlled and can be operated with guidance from a commander and operator located ashore or aboard a manned vessel.

It is in use by the Israeli Navy, a civilian customer[1]Rafael Takes Protector USV to Euronaval and other naval forces around the world, among them Singapore[2]Seis nuevos barcos no tripulados para México and Mexico[3]USV Protector . El ARMA OCULTA en los Hangares de México ! HD [4]USV Protector de Rafael de la Armada de México.

The PROTECTOR AT/FP can be integrated with the MINI-TYPHOON Stabilized RCWS. In addition, an enhanced remotely-controlled water cannon system for fire-fighting capabilities can be installed. In the official brochure on the website of Rafael the Protector is signed as “combat proven”. It also says that a Spike missile launching system can be integrated on the vessel.[5]USV PROTECTOR Rafael official website

In 2005, it was deployed by the Singapore Navy to support coalition forces in the Sea of Japan, and was later deployed for anti-piracy duties in the Gulf of Aden.[6]Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle RAFAEL

In the case of Mexico, PEMEX, the state owned petroleum company, acquired 6 Protector vehicles in coordination with the Mexican Navy (SEMAR).[7]Seis nuevos barcos no tripulados para México

In August 2006 the Israeli Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) has arrived in the U.S. , to take part in a series of demonstrations for the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and other maritime security agencies. Rafael, the developer of the Protector is cooperating with BAE Systems, and Lockheed Martin to pursue business opportunities in North America.[8]Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle RAFAEL

Protector has been demonstrated in service with navies in Asia, Persian Gulf and the Middle east.[9]Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle RAFAEL

The Protector USV was featured at the U.S. Special Operations Command trade show in Tampa Bay, Florida, in Little Creek, Virginia, in San Diego, and in Washington, D.C.[10]Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle RAFAEL

The Protector USV-SSM (Surface-surface missile) is an operationally proven USV integrated with a Spike-ER stabilized Missile Launcher.

In March 2017, Rafael announced it had completed a series of successful tests in which a number of SPIKE missiles were launched from the Protector and hit simulated enemy targets. This was the first-ever missile firing from an operational, remote-controlled USV.[11]Rafael’s Protector USV Conducts Successful Missile Firing Demo for NATO

In 2018 Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and NATO carried out joint training of the Protector off the Israeli coast, demonstrating the USV’s capabilities against naval swarm threats. The demo included a simulated firing of Spike missiles to neutralize the threat.[12]Rafael’s Protector USV Conducts Successful Missile Firing Demo for NATO

Rafael presented the Protector also at the Euronaval 2020, the virtual edition of an international naval defense fair.[13]Euronaval Online 2020: Rafael presents its combat proven Protector USV Unmanned Surface Vessel

Variations: Protector AT/FP (9m or 11m), Protector-SSM

Photo: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

Use by Israeli Forces

Purchased by the Israeli Navy for millions of dollars in 2009.[14]the Protectror : first unmanned vessel of the Israeli Navy [15]Cutting Edge Technology: Showcasing Israeli Unmanned Naval Vessel

Operational since 2012.[16]The Marker : Protector USV The vessel was deployed by the Israel Navy off the Gaza coast.[17]Rafael unveils new unmanned ship for Israel Navy In 2016 it was reported that the Israeli Navy integrated the 3rd generation of the Protector.[18]Israel Navy Readies for Third-Generation USV

Israeldefense reported in 2020 that the Israeli Navy stopped the operation of the Protector for defense patrol missions and is going to use the USV only for detection of submarines and the disarming of maritime bombs.[19]Israeli Navy USVs missions

In October 2022 the Israeli news channel Kan11 published a video article about the security measurements at the Israeli gas rigs on the border with Lebanon that is in dispute. In the video, Protector USVs are clearly visible in action.[20]Lebanon ISrael border agreements : Protector in use