NEWT21 FOG and RAY Unmanned Surface Vehicles

History

NEWT21 FOG and RAY are Latvian unmanned surface vehicle programs developed for unmanned maritime operations. In 2026, manufacturer NEWT21 completed an EU-funded project intended to modernize the vehicles and prepare their production process.

The project was formally titled Modernisation of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) and Preparation of the Production Process and carried reference number 1.2.1.1/3/25/A/005. NEWT21 stated that the work moved the FOG and RAY systems from prototype status toward production-ready configurations.

Published technical information is substantially more detailed for FOG. A February 2026 technical digest described FOG as a high-speed USV intended for persistent maritime security missions and reported its hull, propulsion, speed, range, autonomy, and sensor-integration characteristics.

Development

FOG was conceived as a relatively compact, high-speed maritime platform for security operations in response to regional threats. The design combines a low radar signature, shallow-water capability, payload capacity, autonomous navigation, and a modular structure intended to simplify repair and configuration changes.

By February 2026, published information described FOG as integrating an autonomy system from UAV Navigation Grupo Oesia and customer-selected sensor packages. The same NEWT21 FOG technical digest identified Safran navigation systems, Starlink satellite communications, Merio gimbals, Teledyne FLIR cameras, Workswell infrared zoom modules, and Contromax servos among the listed equipment suppliers.

On 18 August 2026, NEWT21 announced completion of the EU-funded modernization and production-preparation project covering both FOG and RAY. The stated result was the transition of the two USVs from prototype development toward production-ready status.

Design

FOG hull and propulsion

FOG uses a 4.5 m carbon-Kevlar hull. It is powered by a 90 hp waterjet propulsion system. The combination is intended to provide high speed and operation in shallow water while retaining payload capacity for mission equipment.

Autonomy and mission systems

FOG integrates an autonomy system supplied by UAV Navigation Grupo Oesia. Published descriptions state that the vehicle can conduct autonomous patrol, surveillance, and interdiction missions. Sensor suites can be selected according to customer requirements.

The platform is described as modular and repairable. Development also includes fleet cooperative logic intended to allow multiple vessels to operate together. Published supplier information identifies navigation, satellite communications, stabilized gimbals, electro-optical cameras, infrared modules, and servos as elements of the FOG system architecture.

The project documentation confirms that RAY was also modernized and prepared for production alongside FOG, but the supplied evidence does not provide equivalent dimensions, propulsion, performance, or payload specifications for RAY.

Program status

As of August 2026, NEWT21 had completed the EU-funded project covering modernization of FOG and RAY and preparation of their production process. The company described both vehicles as having progressed from prototype development to production-ready status. The supplied evidence does not establish operational service entry, production quantities, or confirmed operators.

Variants

• FOG — High-speed unmanned surface vehicle for maritime security missions. Published specifications identify a 4.5 m carbon-Kevlar hull, 90 hp waterjet propulsion, autonomous mission capability, and modular sensor integration.
• RAY — NEWT21 unmanned surface vehicle included with FOG in the EU-funded modernization and production-preparation project. Detailed technical specifications are not provided in the supplied evidence.

Specifications (NEWT21 FOG)

General characteristics

• Length: 4.5 m
• Hull construction: Carbon-Kevlar
• Propulsion: 90 hp waterjet
• Navigation and autonomy: Autonomous control system with navigation equipment and customer-configurable mission sensors

Performance

• Maximum speed: 55 knots
• Range: Up to 900 km

Mission equipment

• Communications: Starlink satellite communications listed among the supplied systems
• Electro-optical equipment: Customer-selected sensor suites, with Teledyne FLIR cameras and Workswell infrared zoom modules listed among available components
• Stabilized mounts: Merio gimbals listed among the supplied systems