Developed and built in New Zealand for operations across the Indo-Pacific. Image supplied.
EDGE Defence has unveiled WHAI, Australasia’s first all-electric jet powered Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) for defence and security operations.
Last Friday saw EDGE Defence Ltd showcase their latest development of WHAI, a next-generation all-electric Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) designed to deliver cost effective, persistent, low-signature maritime capability for defence, security, and critical infrastructure applications.
Developed and built in New Zealand for operations across the Indo-Pacific, EDGE Defence says WHAI represents a step-change in how maritime forces can conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and training missions, without placing uniformed personnel at risk.
New class of low-signature maritime capability
Purpose-built as a compact, highly deployable USV, combining electric propulsion with a modular payload architecture to deliver a highly adaptive platform, WHAI is capable of pivoting quickly into fast-evolving mission profiles. A four-person lift, WHAI delivers both mobility with payload flexibility.
“Backed by the support of over 10 local suppliers and subcontractors, WHAI demonstrates how sovereign industry capability can deliver outstanding capability in short time frames.”
The platform’s key design features include:
All-electric propulsion system delivering near-silent operation and reduced thermal signature, capable of over 30 knots speed over ground (SOG). Integrated solar panels for energy harvesting can be further complimented by an optional modular hybrid generator for extended operations endurance.
Low observable profile, enabling discreet operations in littoral and contested environments
Modular payload bay supporting ISR sensors, communications relays, and mission-specific equipment up to 350kg.
Rapid deployment capability, including transport via remote controlled amphibious launching trailer and ISO container, MODUS SWARM.
Autonomous and remote operation, leveraging proven commercial off the shelf solutions, while ensuring interoperability with 3rd party Command and Control (C2) software systems.
Flexible Construction: made from either carbon fibre, fibre glass, aluminium or HDPE. With a production rate exceeding 25 units per month using standard construction methods, WHAI offers a window into generating capability throughput at low cost.
This combination, says EDGE Defence, enables WHAI to operate as both a standalone ISR platform or as part of a networked autonomous system, supporting larger maritime and joint-force operations.
Image: Render of Whai being launched by electric-amphibious remotely operated boat launcher by Tectrax New Zealand, a partner of EDGE Defence.
Designed for the modern operating environment
With increasing demand for persistent maritime awareness across New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone and the wider Pacific, WHAI has been engineered to support:
Maritime domain awareness and coastal surveillance across littoral operations.
Force protection and training support for naval vessels
Target simulation and autonomous training aids
Critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) monitoring (ports, energy, and communications assets)
Rapid-response deployment in remote or austere environments
Whai’s electric architecture also aligns with growing requirements for reduced logistical burden and lower environmental impact, particularly in sensitive maritime regions where hazardous material spill risks are unacceptable.
New Zealand innovation supporting Defence capability
“WHAI reflects our commitment to delivering cost-effective, future proofed, deployable capability for defence and security clients,” said John Gell, General Manager of EDGE Defence Ltd.
“We are seeing a clear shift toward autonomous and uncrewed systems that can extend operational reach while reducing risk to personnel,” he said.
“WHAI has been designed from the ground up to meet that need-combining low-signature performance, modularity, and rapid deployability in a New Zealand-developed platform. Backed by the support of over 10 local suppliers and subcontractors, WHAI demonstrates how sovereign industry capability can deliver outstanding capability in short time frames.”
A scalable autonomous ecosystem
WHAI forms part of EDGE Defence’s broader roadmap for uncrewed maritime systems, complementing larger platforms such as the RAZOR 5.5m USV and TEMPEST 7m, future long-endurance vessels.
Together, these systems are being developed to operate as a layered, scalable capability, enabling:
Distributed ISR networks
Autonomous task grouping and swarming concepts
Integration with crewed naval assets and shore-based command systems
EDGE Defence is currently progressing WHAI through experimentation and operational testing, with engagement underway across Indopacific Defence Forces, government agencies, and commercial stakeholders.
Demonstrations and collaborative trials will continue into 2026.
EDGE Defence Ltd is a New Zealand-based provider of modular capability systems and integrated solutions for defence, security, and critical infrastructure sectors. The company specialises in uncrewed systems, deployable energy solutions, and mission-ready hardware, supporting clients across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific.
