Royal Australian Navy Expands Unmanned Surface Fleet
The Royal Australian Navy is expanding its fleet of Bluebottle Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) with an order for 40 more units, valued at $176 million AUD. The USVs, powered by solar, wind, and wave energy, will significantly boost Australia’s long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability. According to Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, the existing fleet has demonstrated an ability to stay on station for an average of 75 days. The acquisition was announced by Breaking Defense.