Three Australia-based companies have secured a combined A$6.2m ($4.3m) in funding from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as part of the 2025 AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge.
The recipients include BAE Systems Australia, L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Australia, and Mission Systems.
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They received the contracts from the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), an Australian government agency established to accelerate the transition of emerging technologies into military applications.
The challenge aims to foster the development of new technologies supporting undersea communications and the control of autonomous systems.
According to ADF, these systems are vital for the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of autonomous operations and the protection of undersea assets in international waters.
The funded projects will seek to improve interoperability among AUKUS partners Australia, the UK, and the UK by enhancing communication capabilities between undersea vehicles and command systems, as well as providing navigational data for uncrewed vehicles.
The technology demonstrations are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
This round in the AUKUS Innovation Challenge Series follows the first event held in 2024.
The initiative connects defence agencies with industry and innovation sectors with the goal of delivering priority capabilities identified under AUKUS Pillar II.
ASCA leads the Australian component, working alongside the United Kingdom Defence Innovation Organisation and the United States Defense Innovation Unit.
Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator head major general Hugh Meggitt said: “Through the 2025 AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge, ASCA is collaborating with local industry and AUKUS partners to rapidly develop interoperable systems that translate innovation into real-world maritime capability.
“This work will strengthen the effectiveness, resilience, and reach of uncrewed undersea operations across the Indo-Pacific.”
