Russia Showcases the NAVIS Unmanned Catamaran at the Caspian Forum
The Autonomous Vessel Is Headed for Arctic Deployment and Global Expansion
At the Third International Caspian Digital Forum in Dagestan, Russia unveiled a new innovation in autonomous maritime technology — the NAVIS unmanned catamaran. Designed for fully crewless operation on water, the vessel has already completed successful tests in the Moscow region and is now being prepared for deployment in the Arctic. Developers say the project aims not only to meet domestic demand but also to enter international markets.
Created by engineers from the Scientific and Production Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems of the Republic of Dagestan, NAVIS operates autonomously to perform aquatic monitoring, search and rescue missions, and underwater infrastructure inspections.
NAVIS Heads North
According to developer Georgy Lessar, a pilot deployment of NAVIS is being prepared in the Arctic for one of Russia’s major gas production companies. The upcoming mission highlights the vessel’s potential in harsh climate conditions and its importance for the energy sector’s most demanding operations.
Engineers also see strong potential for NAVIS in the Caspian region, where it can assist in pipeline inspections, underwater infrastructure checks, and rescue operations — such as locating ruptured pipes or sunken objects.
Looking ahead, the developers plan to move beyond Russia’s borders. The country’s broader digital transformation in transport is opening the door for international partnerships, particularly within the North–South Transport Corridor linking Russia, the Middle East, and South Asia.
With NAVIS, Dagestan’s engineering center is positioning Russia as an active player in the global market for intelligent autonomous transport systems — proving that the next wave of innovation on the water may not need a crew at all.
