Vatn Systems has announced the release of inertial navigation system (INS), INStinct, designed for maritime autonomy in GPS-denied environments. The launch marks a strategic move by the firm to deliver more resilient and cost-effective navigation technology to the autonomous maritime sector.

According to Vatn Systems, INStinct is engineered to provide high-performance navigation at a lower cost than traditional fiber-optic gyroscope systems, addressing a major barrier in deploying autonomous maritime vehicles. The system integrates ANELLO Photonics’ Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope (SiPhOG™)-based X3 IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), a compact and low-power module that delivers fiber-optic-class performance while remaining rugged enough for maritime conditions. Reports describe the INS as modular and adaptable, allowing users to balance cost, accuracy, and endurance for specific missions.

Vatn’s announcement highlights a key operational challenge for unmanned underwater and surface vehicles—reliable navigation when GPS or GNSS signals are jammed, degraded, or unavailable. By pairing the SiPhOG-based IMU with proprietary algorithms and support for Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) integration, INStinct aims to maintain positioning accuracy even during prolonged GPS outages. The company also emphasizes the system’s adaptability, offering configurations ranging from lightweight OEM units to fully enclosed depth-rated housings for underwater operations.

The introduction of INStinct comes amid growing emphasis within defense and commercial maritime communities on resilient navigation solutions for GPS-denied scenarios. As autonomous operations expand into more contested or signal-degraded regions, the need for dependable, self-contained guidance systems becomes critical. Several reports cite that multiple vehicles equipped with INStinct are already scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025, signaling early adoption and practical deployment across Vatn’s product line.

While performance metrics from real-world deployments have yet to be published, Vatn’s partnership with ANELLO Photonics suggests that INStinct’s underlying technology is rooted in proven optical inertial sensing. The combination of advanced photonics, modular integration, and cost-conscious engineering could signal a step forward in democratizing high-grade navigation for smaller, more agile maritime systems.

Vatn Systems appears to be aligning its hardware strategy with the broader evolution of maritime autonomy, prioritizing resilience, modularity, and affordability. As the company prepares to field INStinct-equipped vehicles in the coming year, the system’s performance in operational environments will determine how far it reshapes expectations for inertial navigation in defense and commercial applications alike.