The UK Ministry of Defence has announced the launch of the COOKSON project aimed at developing an unmanned strike boat for the Ukrainian Navy. This innovative next-generation maritime platform will be capable of performing a wide range of tasks in coastal waters, including striking enemy coastal and surface targets with long-range missiles.
The boat is being designed with a focus on compactness, high efficiency, and the ability to operate in countermeasure conditions, including electronic warfare. Its key features include:
- Maximum speed: Up to 40 knots, providing high maneuverability.
- Range: Up to 800 nautical miles, enabling coverage of large areas.
- Patrol duration: Up to 72 hours.
The boat will be armed with at least two missiles with a range of 30–100 km for precision strikes, as well as additional weaponry such as heavy machine guns or MANPADS to defend against aerial threats. Its compact size will make it difficult to detect, allowing for effective operations even in constrained environments.
The project plans include:
- Launching the first prototypes in 2026.
- Establishing serial production within six months, with a production rate of two to three boats per month.
- Manufacturing at least 20 missiles per month to equip new and existing platforms.
The technology underlying the project includes modern autonomous control systems, satellite navigation, radar, and artificial intelligence, enabling the boat to operate independently and make real-time decisions. Resistance to enemy electronic warfare will be ensured through encrypted communications and backup control systems.
The COOKSON project holds broad prospects: it can be used for strike operations, reconnaissance, ship escort, mine deployment, and humanitarian missions. This aligns with the global trend of developing autonomous maritime systems that deliver high efficiency with minimal human involvement.
