WinFly teams up with Taiwan’s Fortmosa on a drone-carrier USV

Ukrainian drone manufacturer WinFly has announced a partnership with Taiwan’s Fortmosa. Together, they are developing a USV designed to carry aerial drones.

The parties say they have already developed a concept for the joint product. WinFly is defining the vessel’s requirements together with end users for specific tasks. Fortmosa will build the prototype and deliver it to Ukraine, where the Ukrainian company will equip it with autonomy systems and various types of drones.

WinFly explains that it has developed the USV technology, the software for controlling the vessel and its equipment, and the communication system for UAVs. In addition, the vessel will be fitted with an autopilot for long-duration missions and an autonomy system that activates if the signal is lost.

The first result of the partnership is intended to be a carrier vessel for interceptor drones. Such a system will be able to protect waters and coastlines by intercepting aerial targets. The system is to be supplemented with detection equipment, including passive radars and optical stations.

The companies then plan to equip the vessels with other types of drones. WinFly clarifies that it is developing the product for Ukrainian needs – exports are not yet under discussion.

Fortmosa is a Taiwanese company that builds workboats from high-density polyethene. According to the company, they are lightweight, resistant to impacts and corrosion, and do not crack in freezing temperatures. They are also difficult to sink thanks to pontoons filled with expanded polystyrene. The company previously signed a memorandum of cooperation with another Ukrainian manufacturer, Burevii.

WinFly works on various types of FPV drones. In spring, its Nexis interceptor drone downed its first Shahed, and in summer, the company unveiled the Spider interceptor, equipped with a Karakurt net launcher.