Australia has invested 176 million Australian dollars ($125 million) to expand its navy’s domestically developed Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel (USV) fleet.
Under a contract with Ocius Technology, Canberra procured 40 additional Bluebottles, bringing its operational fleet to a total of 55 drone boats designed for long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Work will be performed at Ocius’ advanced manufacturing facility in Sydney, with its NSW Hunter production site providing support.
“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,” said Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles.
Bluebottle USV
The Bluebottle is the result of a collaboration between the Sydney-based maritime technology company and the Royal Australian Navy, with initial funding from Australia’s Defence Innovation Hub.
In 2023, the navy received its first batch of Bluebottle USVs from Ocius, which were mainly used for surveillance in Australia’s north and seaborne border patrols.
Powered by solar, wind, and wave energy, the USV boasts a long-endurance capability.
Within the country’s existing Bluebottle fleet, each vessel can remain in the same area for 75 days on average, and the longest single deployment lasted more than six months continuously at sea, according to Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, as quoted by Breaking Defense.
The Bluebottle, measuring 6.8 meters (22 feet) long, can carry payloads, operate as part of a teamed and integrated maritime force, and perform persistent surface and sub-surface surveillance while maintaining an acoustically quiet environment.
Australian officials said that the team is also exploring the USV’s future potential, including drone deployment, kinetic weapons integration, and working with other crewed and uncrewed platforms.
