Elbit proposes converting commercial ships into Hermes 650 UAV carrier platforms

Elbit Systems outlined a concept to convert commercial vessels into floating UAV bases carrying 9–12 Hermes 650 Spark aircraft, using ships as remote launch-and-recovery sites while controlling them via existing Hermes 900-compatible ground infrastructure. The novelty is the operational packaging: a low-cost 'UAS carrier' approach to extend maritime ISR/early warning without a traditional aircraft carrier, potentially reducing manpower and control-station requirements.