The Australian Department of Defence says a $176 million investment in a new fleet of Australian-designed and manufactured uncrewed surface vessels will strengthen maritime surveillance capabilities while supporting local manufacturing and industry jobs.
Announced by the Australian Government, the funding will deliver 40 additional Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) built by Ocius Technology, expanding the Royal Australian Navy’s operational fleet to 55 vessels.
According to Defence, the move is expected to enhance long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability across Australia’s maritime domain.
The department said the investment will support domestic manufacturing through Ocius’ new advanced production facility in Sydney, with an additional manufacturing site planned for the New South Wales Hunter region.
Defence indicated the expansion will create around 50 jobs and involve a broader Australian supply chain, potentially generating further opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses as production scales.
The Bluebottle platform was developed by Ocius in partnership with the Navy and initially supported through the Defence Innovation Hub.
The vessel is designed for long-endurance missions and is powered by renewable energy sources including solar, wind and wave energy. Defence said the system is capable of persistent surface and sub-surface surveillance, can carry various payloads and is designed to operate as part of an integrated maritime force.
Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, said the platform highlights collaboration between Defence and local industry.
“The Bluebottle is an innovative platform designed, developed and manufactured right here in Australia,” Marles said. “This is an excellent example of Defence and industry working together to deliver cutting-edge capability.”
Marles said the government’s investment in Ocius and its Bluebottle USV would accelerate the delivery of autonomous systems for the Navy.
“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,” he said.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the investment reflects the government’s focus on supporting sovereign defence manufacturing capability.
“With this investment the Albanese Government is backing Aussie ingenuity while creating highly skilled, well-paid jobs for locals,” Conroy said. “We are investing right now to uplift our sovereign defence industry.”
Conroy said the technology would support expanded surveillance of Australia’s northern approaches amid evolving security conditions.
“With this world-leading technology, we are able to increase surveillance of Australia’s northern approaches and respond to increasing maritime threats,” he said. “Accelerated development of autonomous capabilities will be fundamental as we navigate this new era of global uncertainty.”
