NAVDEX 2025: CMN Naval showcases DV10 high-speed interceptor

CMN Naval's DV10 ultra-high-speed interceptor on display at NAVDEX 2025. (Janes/Kate Tringham)

CMN Naval debuted an optionally manned ultra-high-speed interceptor demonstrator, dubbed the DV10, at the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi in February.

Speaking to Janes at NAVDEX, Andrew Norton Lea, naval architect and project manager for the DV10, said the vessel was developed to meet customer demand for an interception vessel capable of conducting highly co-ordinated swarm attacks at very high speeds to combat smuggling and terrorism operations and protect coastal infrastructure. “The idea is for the craft to be able to reach and neutralise identified targets at speed before they can get near to the coast and to do it in various different sea states,” he said.

During NAVDEX, CMN Naval conducted a live at-sea demonstration of the DV10 to showcase the vessel's agility, stability, and high-speed performance.

The vessel was designed and built in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a collaborative venture between CMN Naval as ship designer and project lead and Edge subsidiaries Abu Dhabi Ship Building (for hull construction) and the Technology Innovation Institute (for development and integration of the vessel's advanced autonomous capabilities).

CMN Naval has extensive experience working with high-speed wave-piercing technology and its WP18 is currently the fastest military boat in operation, with a top speed of 75 kt.

The DV10 is based on one of CMN Naval's proven offshore powerboat designs – the V3, which was originally a larger vessel – and utilises other offshore record hull features in the company's design portfolio developed for endurance in offshore conditions at high speeds approaching 90 kt.