IRIS develops Tunisia's first 100% domestic maritime drone

Tunisia has achieved a significant milestone in maritime technology with the development of its first entirely Tunisian-designed and manufactured autonomous surface vehicle (USV). The deep-tech company IRIS has created this intelligent drone, intended for both civilian and scientific applications.

This locally developed USV has already been tested in real sea conditions and validated in collaboration with the Tunisian Customs School. Its first unit is set to be delivered to the National Engineering School of Tunis (ENSIT) for academic research. This project highlights Tunisia's growing expertise in advanced technologies and its ambition for technological sovereignty.

The drone is capable of operating autonomously and via remote control, developed by local engineers and experts. Its potential uses include coastal surveillance, protection of maritime infrastructure, search and rescue operations, oceanographic data collection, and support for environmental and security missions. This versatility positions the drone as a valuable tool for public entities and research institutions.

Foued El Kamel, founder of IRIS and head of the light aircraft manufacturer AVIONAV, is leading the project. The successful sea trials have confirmed the system's stability and operational effectiveness. The delivery of the first unit to ENSIT marks a step forward for advanced scientific research and places Tunisia among nations developing next-generation maritime robotic solutions.