On 12 March the RAN took delivery of 40 new Australian-designed and built Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USV) – one of the world’s largest sovereign USV fleets. This represents a $176 million investment.
The contract with Ocius Technology expands Navy’s operational fleet to 55 Bluebottles, significantly boosting long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability across Australia’s vast maritime domain.
This investment will create 50 jobs at Ocius’ new advanced manufacturing facility in Sydney, supported by a second production site in the NSW Hunter region and an extensive Australian supply chain. Further opportunities for small and medium Australian businesses will be generated as production scales.
The Bluebottle, developed in partnership with the RAN and initially funded through the Defence Innovation Hub, is a long-endurance USV powered by solar, wind and wave energy. It provides persistent surface and sub-surface surveillance, can carry payloads and operates as part of a teamed, integrated maritime force.
Increasing Bluebottle capability delivers a sovereign, persistent and scalable capability, supporting a key priority identified in the Albanese Government’s National Defence Strategy.
The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles, said, “Bluebottle is an innovative platform designed, developed and manufactured right here in Australia. This is an excellent example of Defence and industry working together to deliver cutting-edge capability. The Albanese Government’s investment in Ocius Technology and their Bluebottle USV has accelerated the delivery of the autonomous systems for Navy. Over the next five years and beyond, Bluebottle will monitor Australia’s maritime approaches and strengthen Defence’s ability to protect our national security interests.”
Source: RAN
