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Kuwait inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to boost defense capabilities

Kuwait inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to boost defense capabilities

Kuwait Timesa day ago
Kuwait inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to boost defense capabilities
KUWAIT: Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah inaugurated on Monday a fleet of unmanned surface vessels as part of efforts to boost the state's defense capabilities. The addition of these unmanned vessels are a major step forward towards bolstering Kuwait's naval system through the use of modern and cutting-edge technology, the minister said in a statement. The move also reinforces Kuwait's plans to turn to smart solutions in a bid to protect territorial waters, subsequently keeping national security and stability intact, added the minister, praising the coastguard's efforts in bringing such an innovative project to fruition.
On the intricacies of these vessels, Kuwaiti coast guard chief Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah espoused the merits of these unmanned surface vessels, mainly their ability to fully operate with longevity and efficiency without a human crew, the official explained. He went on to list some major tasks these vessels can be used for, including surveillance operations, tracking and intercepting suspicious maritime targets, in addition to supporting search and rescue efforts, the statement underlined. - KUNA
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Interior Minister inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to bolster maritime security
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Kuwait Times

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  • Kuwait Times

Interior Minister inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to bolster maritime security

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Kuwait inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to boost defense capabilities
Kuwait inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to boost defense capabilities

Kuwait Times

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  • Kuwait Times

Kuwait inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to boost defense capabilities

Kuwait inaugurates unmanned surface vessels to boost defense capabilities KUWAIT: Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah inaugurated on Monday a fleet of unmanned surface vessels as part of efforts to boost the state's defense capabilities. The addition of these unmanned vessels are a major step forward towards bolstering Kuwait's naval system through the use of modern and cutting-edge technology, the minister said in a statement. The move also reinforces Kuwait's plans to turn to smart solutions in a bid to protect territorial waters, subsequently keeping national security and stability intact, added the minister, praising the coastguard's efforts in bringing such an innovative project to fruition. On the intricacies of these vessels, Kuwaiti coast guard chief Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah espoused the merits of these unmanned surface vessels, mainly their ability to fully operate with longevity and efficiency without a human crew, the official explained. He went on to list some major tasks these vessels can be used for, including surveillance operations, tracking and intercepting suspicious maritime targets, in addition to supporting search and rescue efforts, the statement underlined. - KUNA

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