The Australian government has awarded an A$176m contract to Ocius Technology to deliver an expanded fleet of Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for the Royal Australian Navy.
The funding establishes a five-year program of record beginning in early 2026 to produce additional Bluebottle vessels, which will enhance the navy’s undersea warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities.
The navy currently operates 15 Bluebottle USVs, most of which support Operation Resolute, providing maritime surveillance in Australia’s northern approaches. The new contract will expand the fleet and support long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations across Australia’s maritime domain.
According to the Australian government, the expanded fleet will help detect and monitor undersea threats and strengthen border protection as maritime security challenges increase.
Production of the new vessels will take place at Ocius Technology’s new manufacturing facility in Sydney, New South Wales, supported by an additional site in the Hunter region of the state and an Australian supply chain. The agreement represents one of the largest known acquisitions of uncrewed surface vessels globally.
The Bluebottle USV is designed for long-endurance missions and uses renewable energy from solar, wind and wave power. The system enables the vessels to operate for extended periods while maintaining a low acoustic signature for underwater surveillance.
The vessels can carry modular payloads and operate alongside other surface and undersea assets to support integrated maritime operations.
Robert Dane, chief executive officer of Ocius Technology, said the contract marks a major milestone for the company and Australia’s maritime technology sector.
“We are very proud to announce this Australian Program of Record for the acquisition of uncrewed surface vessels,” he said. “For more than two decades, we have invested in building a world-class product and manufacturing capability right here in Australia.”
He added that operating a large fleet of low-cost autonomous vessels offers strategic advantages for countries with large maritime territories.
“These Bluebottles are like ‘satellites of the sea’, delivering ISR capabilities that keep constant watch over and under our oceans at disruptively low cost,” Dane said.
Australia’s minister for defence industry, Pat Conroy, said, “With this investment, the Albanese government is backing Aussie innovation and a world-leading platform that is already playing a critical role in our maritime security.”
Rear Admiral Stephen Hughes, head of navy capability, Royal Australian Navy, commented, “Ocius Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels will provide the Australian Defence Force with flexible, persistent and capable long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,” Hughes said.
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