Australia expands USV fleet with major new contract

The Australian Government has announced it will acquire an additional fleet of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) from Ocius, a Sydney-based small company, for a total of AUD176 million (GBP93.7 million). 

The vessels will be used to enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities. 

Ocius confirmed to DSEI Gateway that a total of 40 of their Bluebottle USVs had been ordered. This adds to the 15 already in service with the navy. 

The contract, signed on 11 March, covers a five-year period, commencing in early 2026. 

“The Ocius contract represents a significant step forward in the acquisition of uncrewed systems for the Royal Australian Navy and it highlights how innovative partnerships deliver results for navy capability,” Rear Admiral Stephen Hughes, Head of Navy Capability, said. 

Under the contract, the navy’s expanded fleet of Bluebottle USVs will be manufactured at Ocius’ new facility in Sydney.  

Production is supported by Ocius’ second manufacturing facility in New South Wales. 

According to Ocius, the Bluebottle USV is powered by solar, wind and wave energy which allow for long-range operations, while maintaining an “acoustically quiet environment” for undersea surveillance.  

The vessels can also carry multiple modular payloads. 

The USVs currently in service with the navy are supporting Operation Resolute, the Australian Government’s mission to prevent unauthorised entry into its territory, by providing surveillance in Australia’s northern approaches. 

The company told DSEI Gateway that it aims to build on this contract with partnerships with other allied militaries in the APAC region.