Seagull

Seagull overview

The Seagull is a multi-mission unmanned surface vessel developed by Elbit Systems of Israel. The 12-meter vessel is designed for mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, and maritime security operations. The Seagull can operate autonomously for extended periods and carries a modular payload suite including towed sonar for mine detection, torpedo defense systems, and various sensors.

The Seagull represents Elbit Systems' entry into the unmanned naval domain, leveraging the company's extensive experience in unmanned aerial systems. The vessel has demonstrated the ability to conduct mine hunting operations autonomously, using its towed synthetic aperture sonar to detect and classify underwater threats. As of 2025, the Seagull has been evaluated by the Israeli Navy and offered to international customers seeking affordable unmanned naval capabilities. Its significance lies in offering navies the ability to conduct dangerous mine countermeasures and ASW missions without risking manned vessels, while the multi-mission modular design allows a single platform to address multiple naval warfare requirements.

Armament

Torpedo launchers, mine disposal system, 12.7mm Typhoon RWS

Development and operational timeline

1. Feb 2017Elbit Systems unveils Seagull USV at IMDEX Singapore
2. Jun 2019Seagull completes autonomous mine hunting demonstration
3. Mar 2021Anti-submarine warfare configuration tested at sea
4. Jul 2023Seagull evaluated by Israeli Navy for operational adoption
5. Nov 2024Elbit offers Seagull to multiple international navies