DEFEA 2025: Ukrainian company Nordex introduces Seawolf naval drone for multi-role operations in asymmetric warfare.

At DEFEA 2025, the Ukrainian company Nordex presented the Seawolf, a modular unmanned surface vessel (USV) platform designed for various mission profiles through a universal deck architecture. The system is structured around a core platform whose main components—hull, engine, propulsion, communications, optics, control systems—remain unchanged, while the upper deck is designed to allow the secure installation of different mission-specific and auxiliary equipment. This modular approach is intended to reduce adaptation time for new configurations and lower the operator’s maintenance burden.
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The Seawolf is described as oriented toward mobility, low visibility, and cost-efficiency, to enable operations in environments where traditional crewed naval vessels may be less suited. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

According to Nordex, the Seawolf's design reflects operational feedback from Ukraine’s recent use of asymmetric maritime systems. The platform incorporates technical solutions reportedly based on Ukrainian battlefield experience in modern naval warfare. The system is described as oriented toward mobility, low visibility, and cost-efficiency, with the intention of enabling operations in environments where traditional crewed naval vessels may be less suited due to logistical or detection constraints.

Nordex states that its current production capacity for the Seawolf platform is 25 units per month. The standard version measures 7.5 meters in length, 2.2 meters in width, with a hull height of 0.52 meters. It is powered by a 270-horsepower diesel engine and carries 1,400 liters of fuel. The company reports an operational range of over 1,600 kilometers. The total payload capacity is up to 1,650 kilograms, with a designated warhead payload capacity of up to 450 kilograms. The approximate overall weight of the base vehicle is 950 kilograms.

Several mission-specific variants were outlined at the event. These include the Seawolf R air defense boat; the Seawolf MG cover boat; the Seawolf MGR cover boat with integrated radar; the Seawolf EW electronic warfare boat; the Seawolf M configured as a mine carrier; and the Seawolf D configured to carry aerial drones. All of these configurations are implemented on the same 7.5-meter core platform, with adjustments made only to the deck module and payload systems. This is presented as enabling rapid mission-specific deployment while maintaining logistical and structural continuity.

In addition, Nordex presented a concept for a larger derivative, referred to as the Seawolf Extended Platform. This upcoming variant is designed around a 9.5-meter hull with a stated payload capacity of 4,000 kilograms and an operational range of 1,500 kilometers. Planned mission equipment for this version includes four AIM-9 air-to-air missiles, a 12.7mm M2 turret, and either an FPV drone launcher or a guided munition launching system. The company indicates that this version is being developed for applications such as combined tactical operations, surveillance, and border security roles.