CMN demonstrates USV version of HSI32 Mk II interceptor vessel

CMN Naval's unmanned surface vessel USHI32 Mk II during a demonstration with the French Navy in July 2025. (CMN Naval)

Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie (CMN) carried out a demonstration of one of its HSI32 Mk II interceptor vessels, converted for operation as an unmanned surface vessel (USV), the company said in July.

In the presence of the French Navy, and with representation from MTG Marinetechnik GmbH and CMN Naval subsidiary German Naval Yards, the at-sea demonstration of the UHSI32 Mk II (‘U' for unmanned) USV focused on manoeuvre and control.

This included autonomous navigation with obstacle avoidance, interception and escort of a moving boat, and remote control from a land-based command post, ending with a visit onboard and a sea trip where the speed and manoeuvrability of the USV were demonstrated.

CMN told Janes on 30 July that the UHSI32 project uses both manned and unmanned versions of the vessel. For the live demonstration, the unmanned variant was used.

While CMN has a Mk III HSI32, this is distinguished from the Mk II by the addition of missiles. Although the version used for the demonstration included a mounting for a missile launcher, the demonstration was conducted without missiles and so used the Mk II variant, the company said.

The UHSI32 Mk II has an overall length of 32.2 m, a beam of 7 m, a maximum speed of 46 kt, a range of 1,200 n miles at 12 kt, an endurance of four days, and an aluminium hull and superstructure.