Australia Acquires Bluebottle USVs Fleet For Maritime Security
AUSTRALIA signed a US$123 million deal for 40 new Australian-designed and built Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USV) to form one of the world’s largest sovereign USV fleets. Bluebottles will provide near-persistent, long-range surface and sub-surface intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to protect Australia from increasing maritime security threats and enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) undersea warfare capabilities in the process.
The contract with Ocius Technology expands the RAN’s operational fleet to 55 Bluebottles, significantly boosting long-range ISR capability across Australia’s vast maritime domain. The 40 units will be delivered over a five-year contract to begin in early 2026, building on 15 units already delivered to the RAN which majority of them supporting Operation Resolute by providing maritime surveillance in Australia’s northern approaches.
The USVs are to be manufactured at Ocius’ new advanced manufacturing facility in Sydney, supported by a second production site in the New South Wales Hunter region and an extensive Australian supply chain. Developed in partnership with RAN and initially funded through the Defence Innovation Hub, the Bluebottle is a groundbreaking Australian-designed USV powered by solar, wind and wave energy enabling long-endurance operations while maintaining an acoustically quiet environment for superior underwater surveillance. Its patented design allows it to operate across Australia’s vast maritime domain while carrying sophisticated payloads, providing continuous low- observable surface and subsurface ISR capability. Bluebottle USVs work in a teamed environment with other undersea and surface assets, creating an interoperable suite of capabilities for an integrated force.
Deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles said, “The 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 the RAN. Over the next five years and beyond, Bluebottle will monitor Australia’s maritime approaches and strengthen the Department of Defence’s ability to protect our national security interests.”