German navigation specialist Anschütz announced on 15 July 2025 that it has designed a “unique, integrated Autonomous Navigation and Command System for naval vessels” and noted that in early July the system had been proven in a comprehensive high-speed demonstration undertaken by CMN Naval in Cherbourg, France.
The system, according to Anschütz, is scalable from assistance systems to highly automated solutions and from the monitoring and control of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to automation solutions for large combatants. The remote monitoring and control cab be achieved from shore stations, operations centres on mother ships, or from mobile, containerised solutions.
In addition to autonomous navigation, the system enables highly flexible, autonomous execution of different missions, as well as data transmission and fusion into a common operational picture. By integrating different units into a network of autonomous systems, the speed and effectiveness of maritime operations can thus be significantly increased, Anschütz noted.
The Anschütz Autonomous Navigation and Command System is focused on three key missions areas: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); mine countermeasures and underwater detection; and escort/shadowing operations.
Autonomous ISR operations, Anschütz noted, are particularly effective when multiple vessels are combined. Through the integration of advanced electro-optical and other sensors on board these vessels, the tactical mission modules identify and classify contacts and anomalies, integrating them in real time into a clear, precise and maritime picture.
For the mine countermeasures mission the system integrates a sonar system, providing comprehensive capabilities for identifying, classifying and documenting mines and other anomalies in a common tactical picture. This enables large areas (such as harbour approaches, shipping lanes and anchorages) to be searched autonomously and efficiently for potential underwater threats, establishing a safe operating area.
For escort work in protecting high-value targets the system autonomously guides unmanned vessels in a rule-based manner (such as following pre-defined routes, considering rendezvous points, formations and compliance with collision regulations (COLREG), ensuring continuous monitoring of the environment and early identification and reporting of potential threats.
The Autonomous Navigation and Command System was developed as an extension of Anschütz’s commercially available, proven and certified Synapsis integrated navigation system. “The extended system integrates additional optical sensors and surveillance systems to provide a comprehensive maritime situational picture, featuring enhanced tactical target management, automatic collision avoidance, and dynamic motion control,” the company stated, adding that additional software modules manage the automatic execution of certain tactical functions, enable data exchange in the autonomous system network and are prepared for future collaboration and integration with maritime C4ISR systems.
