Ocius Technology has contracted ThayerMahan and Thales Australia to equip its Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) with advanced sonar systems
The integrations are aimed at enhancing both ongoing Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Maritime Border Command surveillance operations.
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As part of the RAN’s A$176m Programme of Record and the SEA1200 initiative to combat undersea threats, Ocius has awarded ThayerMahan a contract to deliver 40 Outpost acoustic intelligence payloads equipped with TransparenSea processing software.
According to Ocius, the software and payloads will support distributed surveillance tasks to detect, localise, and track undersea contacts of interest, with data relayed directly to defence operators and commanders.
The company stated that the agreements jointly demonstrate the implementation of AUKUS Pillar II, pairing Australian-made autonomous surface vessel technology with US-developed acoustic sensing and processing capabilities.
For ongoing maritime border protection operations in northern Australian waters, Ocius has selected Thales Australia’s locally manufactured BlueSentry thin line arrays and BlueSentry acoustic processing.
The BlueSentry systems, which are scheduled for broad deployment across the Bluebottle fleet, will provide long-endurance surveillance to bolster Australia’s border and offshore security.
The Bluebottle platform features a modular, payload-agnostic keel, winch, and payload bay design, allowing for integration of acoustic array systems from various suppliers according to specific customer requirements.
All vessels are manufactured and equipped with sonar systems at Ocius’s Sydney production facility.
Ocius described these contracts as representing the largest deployed fleet of uncrewed platforms delivering persistent above and below water surveillance for undersea warfare (USW) missions globally to date.
Ocius Technology founder and CEO Robert Dane said: “In an increasingly contested global environment, Australia requires advanced and proven technologies to address evolving maritime threats.
“Different missions need different solutions. The Bluebottle is designed as an adaptable payload delivery platform. By integrating complementary acoustic systems from leading Australian and United States technology providers, we can provide customers with the most effective technology suite for their operational needs.”
In March this year, the Australian government announced a A$176m ($125m) contract with Ocius Technology for 40 additional domestically designed and manufactured Bluebottle USVs.
