Mercury EW FSR for AI Driven Multi-Sensor Integration on USV for Coastal Infrastructure Surveillance

Requirement

An AI focused technology firm based in Abu Dhabi sought to develop a technical proof of concept (PoC) for an autonomous coastal surveillance capability using an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The core requirement was to integrate a land-based Electromagnetic Support (ES) sensor, traditionally used in Electromagnetic Warfare (EW)—onto the USV alongside complex imaging sensors. The goal was to fuse multi-domain sensor outputs using AI to autonomously search, detect, classify, and confirm coastal and infrastructure threats in real time.

Approach

As the lead consultant and Field Service Representative (FSR), Mercury EW personnel conducted a comprehensive market study to identify suitable EW ES sensors capable of maritime adaptation. After selecting the optimal candidate, confirmatory equipment familiarisation and self-training in its operation and data handling protocols ensured pre-trial status.  The EW FSR planned and oversaw the engineering integration of the ES sensor onto the USV, aligning it with existing imaging payloads including EO/IR and radar systems, including THE maritime Automatic Identification System (AIS).

To ensure operational readiness, the Mercury EW FSR designed and delivered a bespoke training package tailored to technical staff and operators, covering sensor theory, target acquisition and tracking, and platform deployment. The system underwent rigorous land-based trials followed by live maritime testing in the Gulf, validating sensor performance and AI responsiveness under dynamic conditions.

Outcome

The 12 month project successfully demonstrated a multi-layered, autonomous surveillance capability. AI algorithms were trained to interpret and correlate outputs from the ES sensor, imaging systems, and environmental data, triggering complementary sensor actions to confirm detections. This fusion enabled real-time threat classification and reduced false positives, enhancing situational awareness and operational confidence.

The PoC laid the foundation for scalable deployment across coastal infrastructure zones, offering a low-footprint, high-fidelity unmanned solution for persistent ISR. The client recognized the system’s potential for both military and civil applications, and the training package was adopted as a baseline for future operator certification.