FLEET 2026 – ZALA unveils Kama unmanned surface vessels
The Ukrainian war saw extensive use of naval unmanned surface vessels (USVs). New systems of such type are appearing at every exhibition, Fleet 2006 making no exception, ZALA presenting its Kama family of USVs
ZALA company, known for its Lancet family of loitering munitions (LMs), which are actively used in Ukraine, is expanding its expertise in unmanned systems operating in various environments. At the International Maritime Defense Show (IMDS) “Fleet 2026” held in Kronstadt, ZALA showcased, among other things, its new developments in the field USVs. At its static display, the company showcased two versions of the Kama USV.
As company representatives explained to EDR -On-Line, the multipurpose USVs of the Kama family are designed for hydrographic and transport missions, emergency rescue operations, patrols, and water protection. These devices are capable of mapping rivers and ports, searching for submerged objects, operating in radiation- and chemically hazardous areas, protecting ports and oil platforms, countering drones, and delivering cargo to islands.
The boats have a 12-hour endurance, are equipped with a thermal imaging camera with a detection range of up to 10 km, and have an automatic return to the launch site mode if communication is lost.
The Kama USV is available in two versions: with a jet propulsion system and with an outboard motor. The Kama version with a jet propulsion system is 6.5 meters long, 2.1 meters wide, and has a draft of 0.4 meters. This version of the USV has a mass of 1,000 kg, and its hull is made of fiberglass. The payload can be up to 600 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 320 or 500 liters, the maximum speed is 30 knots, and it can withstand Sea State 3. The vehicle navigates using satellite signals, an inertial navigation system, and a naval radar.
In the outboard motor-powered version, the boat has a speed of 30 knots and has a mass of 1,200 kg. The USV is 7.9 meters long, 2.1 meters wide, and has a draft of 0.9 meters. Otherwise, the technical specifications of the two vehicles are identical.
ZALA does not provide range data for its USVs, but with a 500-liter fuel tank, the range in both fuel-efficient and maximum modes could be several hundred kilometers. These boats could be used as unmanned platforms for carrying Lancet LMs, delivered to a designated area of the sea for subsequent launch at maritime targets.
Photos courtesy ZALA and N. Morris
