Next-Generation Naval Combat Technologies and Unmanned Surface Vessels at Euronaval 2026.

The Army Recognition editorial team provides exclusive video coverage from Euronaval 2026 in Paris, France, highlighting the latest developments in naval defense technologies, advanced patrol boats, unmanned underwater vehicles, and autonomous maritime systems. The report features innovations from Israel's Elbit Systems, Croatia's Shadow Nautics, the Netherlands' High Eye, and Latvia's NEWT21, including unmanned surface vessels supplied to Ukraine. These technologies illustrate how naval forces are increasingly adopting autonomous systems to strengthen maritime surveillance, coastal security, and operational capabilities.

A patrol boat developed by Croatian company Shadow Nautics on display at Euronaval 2026 in Paris, France, showcasing modern maritime security and coastal patrol technologies. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Key Tactical Insights:

• Expanding Unmanned Naval Operations: Elbit Systems' underwater vehicles and NEWT21's unmanned surface platforms demonstrate how navies can conduct surveillance and potentially hazardous reconnaissance missions while reducing direct personnel exposure.

• Multi-Domain Maritime Surveillance: High Eye's Airboxer unmanned VTOL helicopter offers an airborne observation layer that complements surface patrol boats and underwater sensors to improve littoral situational awareness.

• Lessons from Ukraine's Maritime Warfare: NEWT21's FOG and RAY unmanned surface vessels, supplied to Ukraine, highlight growing military interest in adaptable maritime drones for rear-echelon support, though individual operational performance requires separate validation.

Held from November 3 to 6, 2026, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, Euronaval brings together international defense manufacturers, naval forces, military decision-makers, and technology developers. The exhibition focuses on emerging naval requirements, including autonomous maritime vehicles, underwater warfare, advanced sensors, and integrated combat systems.

Through its on-site video reporting, the Army Recognition team examines several technologies presented by European and Israeli companies, highlighting their military applications and the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern maritime operations.

Discover the future of naval warfare as Army Recognition takes you inside high-tech naval defense technologies and next-generation combat systems. (Video source: Army Recognition Group)

Elbit Systems Presents Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Technologies

At Euronaval 2026, defense company Elbit Systems presents unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) technologies intended to expand the range of missions that naval forces can perform below the sea surface.

Depending on their installed sensors and mission equipment, autonomous underwater vehicles can support missions such as underwater reconnaissance, seabed inspection, maritime surveillance, and mine countermeasures.

Operating underwater without an onboard crew offers potential advantages in dangerous environments, particularly where naval forces must investigate suspected threats, monitor sensitive infrastructure, or gather intelligence while limiting personnel exposure.

The growing use of underwater robotic systems also reflects the increasing importance of protecting subsea infrastructure, including telecommunications cables, pipelines, and naval facilities.

Croatia's Shadow Nautics Showcases Advanced Patrol Boat Technologies

Croatian company Shadow Nautics highlights its range of patrol and military boats developed for maritime security, coastal surveillance, and defense operations.

The company's designs emphasize maneuverability, speed, and adaptability to different mission requirements. Patrol boats remain essential for missions such as maritime interdiction, coastal monitoring, security patrols, and rapid response.

The development of modern patrol craft also illustrates the complementary relationship between crewed vessels and unmanned maritime technologies. Naval and coast guard organizations increasingly require platforms capable of operating alongside remotely controlled surveillance assets and other specialized equipment.

Smaller patrol vessels can provide rapid intervention capabilities in coastal waters, while unmanned systems can extend observation coverage or support reconnaissance ahead of crewed operations.

Netherlands' High Eye Presents Airboxer Unmanned VTOL Helicopter

Dutch company High Eye presents its Airboxer unmanned helicopter, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft developed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime monitoring missions.

Its helicopter configuration enables vertical takeoff and landing without requiring a conventional runway, an important consideration for maritime operations where available deck space may be limited.

Depending on its mission configuration, an unmanned helicopter can carry surveillance sensors to support vessel identification, coastal reconnaissance, and maritime situational awareness.

For naval forces, an airborne observation capability can extend surveillance beyond the immediate sensor horizon of surface vessels. Such systems may also support patrol boats by monitoring surrounding maritime areas and providing operators with additional information.

The Airboxer presentation at Euronaval 2026 demonstrates the growing interest in unmanned rotary-wing aircraft as complementary assets for naval surveillance and maritime security.

Latvia's NEWT21 Showcases FOG and RAY Unmanned Surface Vessels Supplied to Ukraine

Another important part of Army Recognition's Euronaval 2026 video coverage focuses on Latvian defense technology company NEWT21 and its FOG and RAY unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

The two maritime drone systems have been supplied to Ukraine, highlighting the growing role of unmanned surface technologies in contemporary military operations.

Such remotely operated maritime platforms can support reconnaissance, surveillance, logistical missions, and other tasks, depending on their technical configuration and payload.

The FOG and RAY systems illustrate interest in maritime platforms that can perform selected missions without placing crews directly aboard.

The Russia-Ukraine war has underscored the operational significance of unmanned maritime systems, particularly in the Black Sea, where different types of surface drones have been used for surveillance and military operations.

However, the broader experience of Ukrainian maritime drones does not independently establish the specific combat performance of the FOG and RAY platforms. Their individual employment and operational results must be distinguished from the capabilities demonstrated by other unmanned systems.

Euronaval 2026 Highlights the Future of Autonomous Naval Warfare

The technologies documented by Army Recognition at Euronaval 2026 show how naval warfare is evolving through unmanned underwater vehicles, aerial surveillance systems, remotely operated surface platforms, and modern patrol boats.

Elbit Systems' underwater technologies address missions below the sea surface, while High Eye's Airboxer offers a potential airborne surveillance capability. Shadow Nautics demonstrates the continued development of crewed maritime patrol vessels, and NEWT21 presents unmanned surface technologies associated with Ukraine's defense requirements.

Together, these developments illustrate the potential benefits of combining different types of naval assets to expand surveillance coverage, distribute operational tasks, and reduce personnel exposure during hazardous missions. Effective integration, however, depends on communications, control arrangements, sensor compatibility, and each system's operational maturity.

Through its exclusive reporting from Paris, Army Recognition provides defense professionals and military technology enthusiasts with an overview of the emerging equipment and industrial innovations shaping the future of maritime defense.

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Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.