Cross Water Develops Modular Boat System for NATO
The manufacturer is expanding its line of reconfigurable vessels designed to adapt to diverse maritime missions.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Industry — General
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Cross Water produces the XW Modular family of aluminum rigid inflatable boats that use deck rails to allow for the attachment of mission gear without tools. This design enables operators to change vessel configurations quickly for different tasks rather than purchasing new boats.
Why it matters
The system reduces the need for specialized fleets by allowing a single boat platform to be reconfigured for various operational requirements. Its software integration further simplifies the process of mounting and utilizing new sensor or seating modules.
The XW Modular 750, currently rated at Technology Readiness Level 9, features a 7.5 m hull and is already in service with a NATO navy. A larger 10.5 m model is currently in development with an expected top speed of 60 knots or 111 km/h.
The players
Cross Water
Cross Water is an Estonian-based manufacturer specializing in modular aluminum rigid inflatable boats for naval and specialized maritime use.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance that utilizes advanced maritime technology for naval operations.
The details
Vessels in the XW Modular line use an integrated rail system where consoles, seats, and sensors clip on, while the proprietary Vessel Manager software identifies and integrates the equipment automatically. Cross Water also utilizes an online 3D configurator to assist operators in planning their specific deck layouts.
Timeline
2023-2025: Cross Water conducted extensive boat trials in the Baltic Sea and Lake Peipus.
September 2026: The XW Modular 750 participated in the REPMUS 2026 exercise in Portugal.
January 2027: The company plans to exhibit its technology at the IDEX 2027 event in Abu Dhabi.
Spring 2027: The new 10.5 m boat model is scheduled for official launch.
2027: The company plans to introduce remote boat operation capabilities.
Market Landscape
The use of the XW Modular 750 during the REPMUS 2026 exercise highlights a broader shift toward modular naval platforms that allow militaries to reduce procurement costs through versatile hardware. This development positions Cross Water to compete against traditional manufacturers by emphasizing software-defined utility and rapid deployment capabilities.
Naval and commercial operators gain a more flexible inventory system that minimizes the capital expenditure required to maintain specialized vessels. By utilizing the Vessel Manager software and standardized rails, organizations can adapt existing boat platforms to new missions without the downtime of traditional refits.
The takeaway
Modular design represents a significant efficiency shift in naval procurement by prioritizing versatile, multi-mission hardware over single-purpose vessels. Operators looking to optimize their assets should focus on integrating modular systems that utilize software-based recognition to minimize deployment errors.
What happens next
Cross Water is scheduled to launch its 10.5 m boat model in spring 2027 and will exhibit at IDEX 2027 in Abu Dhabi in January 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in the marine sector in our Industry — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Defence Blog.
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