The company plans to showcase groundbreaking naval platforms designed to meet the growing demands of modern defense operations, particularly with the increasing integration of drones in maritime warfare.
In an exclusive interview with DefenseHere, Piet van Rooij, Damen's Commercial Manager, discussed the company’s vision for the future of naval defense, focusing on the development of vessels that can handle and deploy drones both above and below the surface. Damen's platforms, including the 7000 and 9000 models, are at the forefront of this shift, designed not only for drone operations but also for a wide range of other defense and civilian missions.Van Rooij emphasized that the idea for these drone-ready vessels originated from the Portuguese Navy, where an admiral recognized the need for a ship capable of countering the growing threat of drones. "The maritime world is changing, and drones are becoming a significant part of that change. Our goal was to create a vessel that can handle these drones and provide new operational capabilities for navies worldwide," said van Rooij.
The MPSS 7000 and 9000 vessels are designed to integrate various drone types, offering flexibility in deployment. The 7000, already ordered by the Portuguese Navy, mirrors the 9000 model, which is larger and comes with additional capabilities. These ships are capable of conducting a wide range of missions, including submarine rescue, amphibious operations, search and rescue, and even humanitarian missions. The ships’ design also includes large elevators and storage systems for efficient drone deployment, making them versatile assets for both military and civilian operations.
The rapid rise of drone usage in naval operations both in the air and at sea has prompted Damen to focus on creating solutions for navies looking to enhance their defense capabilities. Damen also has developed a new radar system that can detect a variety of drones, whether in the air, on the sea, or even underwater.
As global naval forces adapt to the increasing presence of drones, Damen’s innovative vessels are poised to play a crucial role in modern defense strategies. Van Rooij pointed out that the demand for such ships will likely rise in regions like Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East, where defense priorities are rapidly shifting to account for new technologies like drones.
With the upcoming IDEX-NAVDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Damen will have the opportunity to present these forward-thinking vessels to a global audience of defense professionals in the Middle East.
For a more in-depth insight, you can watch the full interview: