Australia Boosts Maritime Surveillance with New USV Order

Australia has placed an order for dozens more Bluebottle Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for its navy, expanding its fleet to 55. The $176 million AUD contract will deliver 40 more USVs, enhancing the country’s long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability. The Bluebottles will provide persistent surface and sub-surface surveillance and can carry payloads. The acquisition was announced by Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and Australian navy chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. The contract was awarded to manufacturer Ocius.