Piracy Reporting Centre: Singapore Straits Emerge as Piracy Hotspot
Global piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships have risen sharply in the first quarter of 2025, with a notable 35% increase compared to the same period last year. The...
Last year gCaptain brought you Anti-Piracy Weapons – Top 10 For Future Use In Somalia. Since that time the piracy situation has only worsened. In light of this factwe bring you 10 more anti-pirate weapons for use in Somalia’s Gulf Of Aden.
Non-lethal optical distractors are visible laser devices that have reversible optical effects on human targets. These types of non-blinding laser devices use highly directional optical energy to support several non-lethal missions. gCaptain’s favorite commercial version?… Lasersec. (Powerpoint)
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Made entirely of marine-grade stainless steel, fully networked, controlled from safe remote location, and automatic ship protection available with pre-programmed defensive spray patterns Unifire’s Pirate Safe Force 80 is a truly impressive anti-pirate weapon.
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The U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Defense’s Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD) recently conducted a demonstration of a program referred to as Boat Trap. This device involves dropping an entangling net from a helicopter into the path of a boat. The net entangles in the boat’s propeller, forcing the vessel to a safe stop. (Via EagleSpeak)
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The FN303 Less Lethal Launcher is a compressed- air-powered semi-automatic launcher designed to fire non-lethal projectiles at established non-lethal ranges. The launcher is made from a durable, lightweight polymer with flip-up iron sights and an integrated Picatinny 1913 rail for mounting red dot sights (included) or other accessories. An undercarriage version with mounts is available for most tactical rifles. The launcher contains a magazine that holds 15 projectiles and a 200 bar pressure bottle. (Source)
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The Airburst Non-Lethal Munition (ANLM) uses a deceleration process that ejects a ballast material forward from the projectile, which pushes back on the projectile, thus stopping it in mid-flight. The round itself does not impact any targets, but instead releases its payload at a predetermined distance from a target. (Source)
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While not technically a weapon the Maritime Early Detection Systems can be equipped to provide active deterrence. This state of the art solution integrates a perimeter sensor network and sophisticated infrared tracking day/night vision cameras with the onboard radar equipment. The key to success is the customized monitoring installed throughout the ship. Optional remote monitoring at a central location or company headquarters is also available. Additional options offer counter measures that when utilized can effectively arm a ship with the necessary technology based tools to help avoid a takeover by hostile forces. (Source)
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Ok, again this isn’t a traditional weapon (finding 20+ non-lethal weapons has proven difficult) but it sure is a weapon in the overall defense of a ship. Why? Should a serious injury or illness occur on or off ship (like after a battle with pirates) while you are working more than 160 miles from home, Global Rescue will advise, treat and transport you to the nearest medical facility for stabilization and then to the home hospital of your choice for major medical treatment with no charge above the annual membership fee. (Source)
This less-than-lethal ammunition delivers a strong, stunning blow to a threat’s body without penetrating it. The M1006 is a direct fire, low hazard, and non-shrapnel producing projectile. It is to be understood by the operator that the potential of this cartridge causing lethal trauma does exist if incorrectly employed. (Source)
Some say that water and electricity don’t mix others, like Secure Marine makers of the electric fence for ships, might disagree. After signing an agreement with the company they visit your ship and install a 9000 volt wire fence abound the perimeter of your vessel. (Source)
Far and away our favorite non-lethal weapon is extra watchstanders to keep a vigilant eye on the horizon but with human eyesight having limited range why not extend your ships visibility with a UAV? SuperFly is a small, easily portable, hand launched UAV system that puts big capabilities into small budgets. With a dash speed of 65 knots and plug and play modular design, the SuperFly enables quick and discrete information gathering amidst constantly changing mission needs.
And after your done looking for pirates you can utilize the unit’s extended range to assist in SAR, man-overboards or checking to see if the agent brought that part the chief’s been bugging you for. (Source)
You can read gCaptain’s full piracy coverage HERE.
Note: Most of these companies are actively looking to help protect vessels transiting pirate infested waters. If your interested in one of them, contact us and we’ll get you in touch with the relevant parties.
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