In a landmark deal showcasing Australian technological innovation, US defense contractor Thayer Mahan has purchased two Australian-made Bluebottle Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) for AU$ 2.4 million.
The Bluebottle USVs, known for their advanced capabilities and reliance on renewable energy, were demonstrated off the US west coast with one of the Bluebottles, BONNIE, operating in San Diego Harbor for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities, while BETH was deployed 15 nautical miles off the coast with the Outpost passive array system. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has also embraced these autonomous vessels, accepting delivery of its sixth Bluebottle.
Assistant Minister for Defence, Matt Thistlethwaite, at an event commemorating this collaboration, underscored the significance of partnerships between industry, academia, and defense in advancing Australia’s maritime security. “Ocius is a great example of the ingenuity and cooperation of industry, academia, and defense working together,” he stated, underlining the collaboration with UNSW in delivering these innovative maritime surveillance vessels.
Ocius CEO Robert Dane expressed his gratitude for the support from the Australian Government, the defense innovation programs, and the RAN, which have been instrumental in Bluebottle’s development over the last nine years. Emphasizing the seamless integration between Ocius and Thayer Mahan, Dane said, “Both companies share a mutual love of technology and the sea and have complementary proven products.”
Commodore Mick Turner of the RAN lauded the sale to the USA as “validation of our collaboration with Ocius and the Defence Science and Technology Group in developing this capability. The Bluebottle USV developed by Ocius is proving to be a game changer.”
Relevant articles:
– Australia’s OCIUS Sells two Bluebottle USVs to the USA, Naval News
– Ocius sells two Bluebottles to the US, delivers additional vessel to Navy, Australian Defence Magazine
– Australian Navy Acquires 5 Bluebottle USVs, Naval News