Unsolved problem of detecting stealthy vessels on the open ocean

Establish effective and reliable methods for detecting vessels that aim to remain hidden on the open ocean, addressing the persistent unsolved challenges in maritime object detection under vast ocean backgrounds.

Background

Within a literature review of AI-based ship detection, the authors note continued difficulty in detecting vessels, particularly those attempting to evade observation in expansive ocean environments. Despite progress using SAR and optical imagery and various deep learning approaches, the problem remains unresolved, underscoring a key technical gap in maritime surveillance and targeting capabilities.