44 tons, 50 knots and zero people on board
Imagine a warship that carries Tomahawk cruise missiles, accelerates to 50 knots (about 93 km/h) and does not have a single person on board. It already exists. The US Navy has unveiled the AIRCAT Bengal MC, a 44—ton autonomous vessel that could be a turning point in the naval warfare of the future.
This is not a scout boat or a target. This is a full-fledged attack platform controlled by artificial intelligence.
The AIRCAT Bengal MC is not just a drone, but an attack platform
The Bengal MC is part of a new line of autonomous ships from Swiftships. It is based on the concept of AIRCAT (Autonomous Interceptor and Rapid Combat Attack Technology), which speaks for itself: interception, speed, attack.
On board are modular launchers capable of carrying several Tomahawk missiles or other precision—guided munitions. His task is not to stand in formation, but to act separately: to strike, distract air defenses, work in a group with other drones or cover large ships.
How Marine AI makes decisions without a commander
The heart of Bengal MC is a revolutionary autonomous control system. Instead of people on board, there is an AI complex that processes data from radars, sonars, and satellites, plots a route, recognizes targets, and even decides whether to use weapons within a given protocol.
It can avoid obstacles, respond to threats, change course, and coordinate with other vessels—all without direct control. The command gives you a task, and the ship finds a way to complete it.
Why does the navy need a ship that is not afraid of losing
The main advantage is the lack of a crew. This means that the Bengal MC can be thrown into the most dangerous zones: in front of the front line, into dense air defense, into electronic jamming zones. He doesn't need to be saved, he doesn't need to be supported, he doesn't need to be afraid for people's lives.
In addition, its high speed and maneuverability make it a difficult target. 50 knots is faster than most patrol boats and many missile ships. He can appear, strike, and disappear before the opponent realizes what has happened.
Sources
- Designfax — AIRCAT Bengal MC technology deep dive
- Unmanned Systems Technology — autonomy concept & tech specs
- Defense Advancement — Sea-Air-Space 2025 debut announcement
- Rude Baguette — 44-ton payload combat potential
- The War Zone — MASC concept & multi-mission adaptability
- Naval News — Eureka-Singapore MoU for series production
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