Drones autómatas contra las narcolanchas: la guardia civil se arma con ia en galicia
Several Civil Guard officers have tragically lost their lives over recent years attempting to intercept drug traffickers’ high-speed boats. Now, the Guardia Civil is deploying a radical new strategy: autonomous marine drones equipped with artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to locate, track, and neutralize narco vessels – a move designed to drastically reduce these lethal encounters.
A technological shift in the fight
The Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) has commissioned these drones from Zelenza, in collaboration with Seadrone and HI Iberia. This isn’t simply about adding a new platform; it’s about fundamentally altering the operational paradigm, offering superior tactical autonomy and precision in high-risk situations. Zelenza, with years of experience developing autonomous marine drones – evidenced by their SEAD-23 drone currently deployed by the Spanish Navy (as seen in the photographs) – is building a variant specifically tailored for the Guardia Civil’s needs.
These USVs (Unmanned Surface Vehicles) operate autonomously or via remote control, allowing for a flexible and responsive deployment. Their high-speed architecture and stealth design enable them to detect, track, and intercept drug trafficking vessels without jeopardizing agent safety. Zelenza claims the integrated system will provide ‘next-generation ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities’, incorporating advanced sensors, vision systems, and maritime surveillance – providing real-time, critical intelligence.
Swarm intelligence: a new level of vigilance
But the true innovation lies in ‘swarming’ Technology – a coordinated network of drones operating independently yet seamlessly. Multiple drones can form a collective, encircling narco vessels or covering extensive patrol zones, all without human intervention. This redundancy is paramount, particularly in degraded communication environments, where these drones maintain connectivity regardless of interference. Crucially, they’re already intercepting the first autonomous narco-submarine utilizing Starlink satellites for navigation – a development that represents a significant escalation in the tactics of organized crime.
Pedro Alfaro, CEO of Zelenza, states, ‘Our objective is to develop technological solutions that strengthen maritime security and reduce the risk to security forces in operations against organized crime. This project reflects the company’s commitment to innovation applied to the protection of critical infrastructure and strategically valuable spaces.’ The Guardia Civil drone, potentially based on the SEAD-23, is a seven-meter-long, 2.3-meter-wide vessel constructed from fiberglass, capable of reaching speeds of up to 36 knots thanks to its waterjet propulsion and a 320hp diesel engine. Its operational range extends to over a week at cruising speed. The modular architecture allows for the integration of optical and infrared sensors, spectrometers, RF detectors, inhibitors, remote weapon stations, light torpedoes, mines, and MILVUS maneuvering munitions. They can also deploy sonars and ROVs for underwater operations, significantly expanding their tactical versatility. The SEAD-23 is already undergoing testing with the Spanish Navy.
These autonomous marine drones will serve a dual purpose: minimizing the risk to border agents, and relentlessly pursuing narco vessels 24/7, eliminating the need for frequent relief rotations. This is more than just a technological leap; it’s a Spanish-made innovation poised to safeguard our borders. And with the SEAD-23’s potential as a base model, the Guardia Civil is gaining a significant edge in the ongoing battle against the lucrative and increasingly sophisticated drug trade.