Israel's Elbit Systems has proposed converting merchant vessels into UAV carriers, capitalizing on the specific capabilities of its HERMES 650 SPARK unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under a concept dubbed "Small Deck, Long Reach."

First unveiled in spring 2024, the HERMES 650 SPARK offers short takeoff performance (200 m or less, depending on wind-over-deck conditions and gross weight), endurance of up to 24 hours (subject to takeoff weight and mission profile), and SATCOM datalink availability enabling operations well beyond line of sight.

The aircraft has a 12.1-m wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 650 kg. Designed primarily for surveillance, it carries a 260-kg payload capacity distributed across 2 under-fuselage bays and 6 underwing hardpoints, supporting up to 120 kg of mission payload when departing with full fuel (140 kg). The sensor suite encompasses electro-optical (EO/IR/SWIR) systems, radar, ELINT, COMINT, AIS, and the SkEYE WAPS wide-area airborne persistent surveillance system. The latter provides continuous high-resolution video coverage of large areas of interest, with real-time multi-user distribution, recording capability, and in-flight mission or area retasking. Elbit describes the platform as a "server in the sky," referring to its ability to process collected data onboard using AI-based algorithms.

Elbit's proposal calls for an air group of 9–12 UAVs per ship. The concept recalls Iran's conversion of 2 container ships into drone carriers (both vessels were destroyed by US airstrikes in the opening days of Operation EPIC FURY).

Converting a merchant vessel into a drone carrier platform is not straightforward, though it remains far less costly than building or converting a warship of comparable capability. No program partners have been announced, and no orders have been placed. The concept remains at the conceptual stage, but it has nonetheless attracted interest from several navies.

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