TROIA, Portugal - Defence technology firm FTS demonstrated its JOKER uncrewed surface vessel at NATO’s Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping Maritime Uncrewed Systems exercise in Portugal. The multinational event tests emerging autonomous maritime capabilities alongside naval forces and industry partners.
The platform combines guided munitions with autonomous surface navigation for strike, defense, and reconnaissance missions. During trials, the vessel demonstrated target detection, loitering capabilities, and precision engagement against stationary and moving targets. Designed to counter threats against ports and naval forces, the craft can also target strategic infrastructure and high-value vessels.
The JOKER operates autonomously or via remote control, functioning independently or in coordinated teams to bypass layered defenses. Control is maintained beyond line of sight via satellite links from ships, bases, or naval headquarters. The vessel features a modular design for varying sensor payloads, alongside an anti-jamming navigation suite, mission computer, and real-time telemetry transmission.
This development highlights the naval transition toward low-cost, uncrewed surface vessels designed for asymmetric warfare. Integrating loitering munitions onto autonomous vessels allows defense forces to counter maritime threats and saturate enemy air defenses without risking crewed platforms or deploying costly traditional missiles.
