Enforcer 3 Research Platform Paves the Way for the Future of Naval Autonomy
A collaborative project that stretches across the world, Saab’s Enforcer 3 is a testbed to create and test cutting-edge technology, including the recently unveiled Autonomous Control System for naval vessels.
Originally introduced more than three decades ago, Saab’s Combat Boat 90 and its later iterations have been a trusted, high-speed amphibious platform for navies worldwide. Now, Saab has leveraged the proven CB90 system to create the Enforcer 3 – a fully autonomous, multi-mission research vessel that enables cross-continental research and development.
The Enforcer 3 platform exemplifies Saab’s broad global network and the distinct advantages it brings to U.S. and international stakeholders. Outfitted with advanced navigation, communication and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems, the Enforcer 3 supports collaboration with military units in search of innovative capabilities and provides startups with a dynamic platform to test and refine emerging technologies.
As a unique research collaboration between Skapa by Saab, the U.S. tech incubator in San Diego, and its Swedish partners, the Enforcer 3 project operates with two mirror vessels in San Diego and Sweden to create a global research loop that enables rapid progress and innovation.
“With the Enforcer 3, we have an innovation platform that leverages the entire spectrum of Saab’s expertise, from our colleagues in Sweden to our U.S. divisions in Surveillance Systems and Autonomous and Undersea Systems,” said Peter Mirisola, director for naval autonomy, Skapa by Saab, Inc. “We’ve built, in essence, a 24-hour global research loop that allows us to create and test disruptive technology at an accelerated rate. This type of agile product development is a critical advantage for our clients and partners.”
One example of the platform’s potential is the Autonomous Ocean Core, recently unveiled at Euronaval 2024.
First developed and tested on the Enforcer 3, Autonomous Ocean Core is a ready-to-use, vessel-agnostic autonomous control system that can integrate with existing naval vessels in military and civilian missions. With Autonomous Ocean Core integrated, uncrewed vehicles can perform mine detection and clearance, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and other military operations.
“With the Enforcer 3, Saab’s team can develop and test disruptive technology and deliver proven systems to our customers faster than ever before. This is just the first step. We’re committed to bringing forward solutions that meet the immediate and future needs of our U.S. customers and international allies,” said Mirisola.
The Autonomous Control System will be featured at the upcoming WEST 2025 conference in San Diego in January. Stay tuned for more insights into how the system – and the Enforcer 3 – work together to build upon Saab’s eight-decade-long global legacy of innovative design and unmatched expertise, working to keep people and society safe.