The Autonomous Rapid Recognition Operation Warship (ARROW), one ambitious European Defence Fund (EDF) project supporting innovative SMEs, was officially launched under the indirect management of the European Defence Agency (EDA).
ARROW is a forward-thinking initiative that aims to enhance maritime security along Europe’s maritime frontiers. It is coordinated by French SME SEAir Solutions. On July 1st in Brussels, at the premises of Belgian SME C&V Defence, the consortium held its kick-off meeting to officially commence the project. The participating entities presented and discussed the technical roadmap to be followed in the coming months.
“SEAir Solutions is very proud to lead a major project that could become a real game-changer at sea for European navies. Faster, increased range, better stability and improved stealth are the main benefits for a new generation of “Flying” Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) thanks to hydrofoils. This technology is now well mastered to introduce it to Defence applications,” said Richard Forest, the CEO of SEAir Solutions.
With over 90,000 kilometres of coastline and critical marine routes, the EU faces complex maritime security challenges, including surveillance of EU borders and the lack of rapid response capabilities against new maritime threats (suicide USV, long-range USV with heavy weapons, etc.). ARROW will address these difficulties by providing the next generation of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV).
A key strength of ARROW is its technological foundation, which builds on the TRANSFLYTOR project funded by the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) in 2020. This initiative demonstrated the benefits of equipping vessels with retractable hydrofoils, which significantly enhance their performance. ARROW builds on this innovation by integrating dual-use technologies that bridge the gap between commercial and defence applications, meeting the evolving demands of modern naval operations.
Aligned with the EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS), ARROW aims to strengthen the EU’s capacity to monitor and respond to maritime threats. Five partner entities across Europe are working together with the shared commitment to deliver faster, more agile, and cost-effective capabilities for defence actors at sea. By enhancing situational awareness, operational resilience, and coordinated response times, the project supports Europe’s military competence and strategic autonomy.
ARROW’s advanced design and capabilities
ARROW is a 12-metre vessel that will operate autonomously or with a crew. Thanks to hydrofoil, it will achieve high speeds (35 to 45 knots) and a range of 400 nautical miles (50% of fuel consumption reduction benefits). ARROW will minimise wake and enable low-visibility operation. The vessel will be able to carry unmanned systems, humans and cargo, and with its retractable foils, it will allow conventional navigation. Lastly, ARROW will be equipped with an electric Propulsion Outboard Drive (POD) system integrated on each hydrofoil that will provide near-silent manoeuvrability and allow a high fly. Developed as a fully autonomous USV platform, the ARROW prototype is designed to be the most advanced USV in its category by 2028.
A European consortium
With 10 participating entities, ARROW brings together 8 SMEs and 2 RTOs from 8 EU Member States or European-associated countries.
5 beneficiaries
SEAir Solutions (France) the project leader, C&V Defence (Belgium), D3 Applied Tech SL (Spain), Knierim Yachtbau GmbH (Germany), Maritime Robotics SA (Norway),
5 key supporting EU companies
Riga Technical University (Latvia), TalTech (Estonia), Sierra Tango (Belgium), Maxwell Applied Technologies (Spain) and EU3STAR (the Netherlands).
A project selected by the European Defence Fund
The ARROW project was selected by the European Commission under the European Defence Fund (EDF) in 2023. The project has been allocated a total budget of €7.5 million by the EU.
The EDF is the European Commission’s instrument for supporting research and development actions in the defence sector. Its main objectives are to foster cooperation between companies, including SMEs, and Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) throughout the Union, to promote the development of defence capabilities through investment, and to help EU companies develop advanced and interoperable defence technologies and equipment.
Learn more about the European Defence Fund here.