FTS successfully demonstrated the JOKER at REPMUS 2026 in Portugal, one of the world’s leading exercises for maritime unmanned systems, bringing together naval forces, industry, academia and technology partners to test emerging capabilities and operational concepts in a multinational maritime environment.
The JOKER is an innovative Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), designed for precision strike, defence and maritime reconnaissance missions. The system combines the kinetic impact of guided munitions with the operational flexibility of an autonomous surface vessel, providing naval forces with an agile, cost-effective capability for both maritime attack and defence missions. JOKER has been operationally validated in the maritime arena, demonstrating its target detection and engagement capabilities.
The system can loiter in the maritime environment, detect and identify targets, lock onto them and engage them with high precision, whether against moving vessels or static maritime targets. JOKER is designed to address a wide range of maritime threats, including explosive boats and attacking vessels threatening ports and naval forces, whilst also providing capabilities against strategic maritime infrastructure and high-value targets at sea. These capabilities reflect the system’s core combination of precision strike and defence missions.
JOKER can operate autonomously or under remote control, depending on mission requirements, and can function independently or as part of a coordinated unmanned team. Multiple JOKER platforms can operate together to counter advanced detection and defence systems, create deception effects and overcome layered defences. Its modular architecture enables adaptation to diverse mission scenarios and integration into a multi-layered maritime combat architecture alongside manned and unmanned platforms and additional strike and sensing assets. Each mission can be conducted from various locations via a control station. Integration with a main control station on ships, at forward operating bases or at naval headquarters is also possible. Each mission can be carried out beyond line of sight thanks to the use of satellite communications.
The platform is equipped with an integrated navigation and control suite, including an INS/GPS unit with anti-jamming capability, compass and course-control components, an advanced mission computer, and real-time video and telemetry transmission to the operator. Optional sensor packages can also be integrated to support real-time intelligence gathering and enhance mission accuracy. Its modular configuration allows the system to be tailored to different operational requirements.
FTS
Flensburg Technology Systems GmbH (FTS) is a German-Israeli joint venture between FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH (FFG) and IAI/ELTA Systems Ltd. (IAI/ELTA), headquartered in Flensburg.
As an international high-tech company, FTS focuses on the progressive integration of FFG’s innovative vehicle systems and combat engineering technology platforms with IAI/ELTA’s combat-proven, state-of-the-art product solutions in the fields of robotics, autonomous capabilities, artificial intelligence, digitalization and networking, electronic warfare, and situational awareness.
With a strong commitment to innovation and technological expertise, FTS works in collaboration with national and international armed forces as a reliable partner for future-oriented system solutions.
FTS’s goal is to fully meet the future needs of modern armed forces in order to effectively fulfil the requirements of national and international partners and prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.
