Technology: U.S. Eureka Naval Craft revolutionizes naval forces with AIRCAT Bengal MC autonomous attack vessel.

The US defense company Eureka Naval Craft and Australian marine autonomy specialist Greenroom Robotics are preparing to revolutionize naval warfare with the introduction of the AIRCAT Bengal MC, a vessel described as the most advanced autonomous naval attack craft ever designed. Developed in partnership with ESNA Naval Architects and powered by Greenroom’s cutting-edge autonomy software, the Bengal MC combines unprecedented speed, payload capacity, and combat versatility into a single, highly modular platform.
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The AIRCAT Bengal MC combines high speed, heavy payload capacity, and cutting-edge AI autonomy for next-generation naval operations. (Picture source: Eureka Naval Craft)

The AIRCAT Bengal MC is a 36-meter Surface Effect Ship (SES) that represents a radical shift in how navies can deploy fast, lethal vessels. This multi-mission platform is capable of operating both crewed and uncrewed, offering remarkable flexibility. Capable of reaching speeds of over 50 knots depending on payload and boasting a range of 1,000 nautical miles, the Bengal MC is designed to deliver maximum impact across a broad range of missions. It can carry up to 40 tonnes — equivalent to two 40-foot ISO containers — allowing it to deploy a wide variety of modular systems rapidly. The ship is equipped to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles and Naval Strike Missiles (NSM), providing it with a strategic force projection capability traditionally reserved for larger and more expensive warships.

Beyond its firepower, the Bengal MC's modularity ensures it can be swiftly adapted for different mission profiles, including troop transport, landing support, electronic warfare, mine-laying and counter-mine operations, and acting as a drone mothership. Its ability to transition between roles without significant refitting underscores its utility in the modern battlespace, where agility and flexibility are paramount.

Central to the Bengal MC’s capabilities is the integration of Greenroom Robotics’ Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) software, a sophisticated system offering AI-driven situational awareness and navigation. Greenroom’s CEO, James Keane, highlighted that the Bengal MC will inherit the autonomy expertise proven during the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT)—a successful project in collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy and Austal Australia, where autonomy systems were validated aboard a decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat. Thanks to this heritage, the Bengal MC will feature swarm-enabled fleet operations, human-machine teaming, and state-of-the-art AI for surface warfare, special operations support, drone and missile defense, and rapid response scenarios. Greenroom’s focus on “humans-in-the-loop” ensures the ship remains highly adaptable, even in the most complex, high-threat environments.

The AIRCAT Bengal MC is more than just technologically impressive — it is strategically positioned to disrupt the traditional naval procurement market. As explained by Eureka CEO Bo Jardine, the vessel’s cost-effectiveness, thanks to modular construction techniques, offers a compelling alternative to traditional corvettes and frigates that are often sluggish, outdated, and expensive. By optimizing manufacturing processes and reducing operational costs, the Bengal MC allows navies to field advanced capabilities without breaking defense budgets. Its lower fuel consumption, superior endurance, and reduced maintenance needs make it especially attractive to navies looking to maximize operational availability while minimizing life-cycle costs.

In addition to these economic advantages, the Bengal MC’s Surface Effect Ship (SES) design delivers an exceptionally high speed-to-weight ratio, greater stability, and enhanced ride quality. This enables greater accuracy with onboard weapon systems and reduces wear and tear on critical ship systems, sensors, and sensitive payloads. Furthermore, the ship’s small profile and high-speed capability enhance its survivability in contested environments, offering a significant tactical advantage in modern naval operations.

Initially, the AIRCAT Bengal MC will be offered to the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and allied navies under the AUKUS agreement, NATO, as well as strategic partners in Asia-Pacific including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. This wide market focus reflects the increasing global demand for autonomous and versatile naval platforms capable of operating effectively in a variety of regional threat environments.

The Bengal MC also joins an expanding family of AIRCAT vessels produced by Eureka, including the Bengal, Lynx, Jaguar, and Panther classes. Each variant is tailored to specific missions such as fast attack, reconnaissance, rescue, high-speed troop transport, and unmanned logistics. The commonality across the AIRCAT series allows navies to customize their fleets according to mission demands while benefiting from shared support systems, training, and maintenance infrastructures.

With the unveiling of the AIRCAT Bengal MC, Eureka Naval Craft and Greenroom Robotics are setting a new standard for future maritime operations. By combining high speed, heavy payload capacity, modular mission adaptability, and the most advanced AI-driven autonomy available, the Bengal MC offers allied navies a disruptive, future-proofed solution to the complex challenges of modern naval warfare.