While most people think of aircraft like the fast-moving MQ-1 Predator when they hear the term “military drone,” that’s not the only option. Today, drones can fly, swim or travel overland. Throughout the 21st century, they have proven their worth on the battlefield. The United States has used them throughout the War on Terror, and both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war have followed suit, although innovations in all areas of drone technology have increased the lethality of these devices in surprising ways.
Maritime drones in particular are becoming increasingly important around the world, and Ukraine has proven their worth in destroying large strategic and tactical targets. In February 2026, Lockheed Martin showed off its latest maritime drone, the Lamprey, a multi-mission autonomous underwater vehicle (MMAUV) capable of performing a variety of missions, but it wasn’t the only drone of its kind. Cardona Marine Group, Inc. (CMG) is a defense technology startup that has been developing similar technology for the past 15 years and is currently in the sea trial phase of a functional prototype.
Sea-Predator-7 (SP-7) is an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) with a unique design. At first glance, it looks a bit like an orca, but with far more lethal potential; its payload capacity allows covert targeting of enemy ships with a variety of lethal weapons. Additional components and sensors would allow for future remote and potentially autonomous operations, while components for the SP-7 could be rapidly manufactured to enable rapid production if the War Department selects components for the SP-7 in future defense procurement contracts.
Read more: 5 weapons that could actually sink a US aircraft carrier
Sea-Predator-7 Specifications and Features
Sea-Predator-7 maritime drone on the water – Cardona Marine Group, Inc.
Sea-Predator 7 is engineered with custom Kevlar, carbon fiber, ceramic and ballistic fiberglass. It features a proprietary ballistic rib coating and a structure that mimics shark skin, which combined with its design enhances stealth and speed while reducing power consumption during movement. The drones can be deployed in a variety of ways, including from a Navy MH-60R Romeo helicopter or Navy MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, several miles from the target ship, independently or in a swarm.
The SP-7 can carry over 800 pounds. Explosives with one-way attack capability and two specialized torpedoes. Other weapons options for the SP-7 include two CMG Mk 6 stealth rib-coated drone torpedoes, four CMG Mk 4 high-explosive torpedoes, a Mk 19 automatic 40mm grenade launcher, two M240B 7.62mm machine guns or six 40mm smoke grenade launchers. It can be equipped with four micro drones for reconnaissance. In addition, the SP-7 itself can serve as a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) ship mine, striking the target hull and detonating.
The USV is 13 feet long, with a 5-foot beam and a 3-foot height. It weighs 700 pounds. before adding the payload. It moves through the water via a custom-made electric CMG tank drive for surface and subsea operations, and is equipped with electric bow planes and pulse thrusters for maneuvering. Taken together, the potential uses of the SP-7 are vast and have the potential to transform offensive maritime warfare.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.