Government invests $176 million in Australian‍-‍made USV fleet

The federal government has announced a $176 million investment to deliver 40 new Australian designed and built Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USV) to create what it says is one of the world’s largest sovereign USV fleets.

The contract with Ocius Technology expands the Australian Navy’s operational fleet to 55 Bluebottles, significantly boosting long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability around Australia.

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. The government says further opportunities for small and medium Australian businesses will be generated as production scales.

The Bluebottle, developed in partnership with Navy 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 government’s National Defence Strategy.

“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.,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles. “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.”

“With this world-leading technology, we are able to increase surveillance of Australia’s northern approaches and respond to increasing maritime threats,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy. “Accelerated development of autonomous capabilities will be fundamental as we navigate this new era of global uncertainty.”

Image: Ocius Bluebottle USV. Credit: Commonwealth of Australia