Collaboration Promises Advanced Uncrewed Surface Vehicles for Australia

Australian defence SME Alkath Group and UK-based MSubs have announced a new collaboration aimed at revolutionizing maritime autonomous system capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership opens the door for cost-effective and versatile uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) to be utilized in various applications, including defence, marine science, and commercial offshore survey operations. The announcement coincides with the upcoming Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference (IODS) in Perth.

Alkath Group managing director, Phil Guy, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in bringing advanced maritime autonomous technology to Australia. Leveraging MSubs’ expertise with the UK and US Navies, the collaboration aims to deliver cutting-edge USVs tailored to the unique needs of the region. The partnership also creates opportunities for local and national SMEs to benefit from the combined expertise in autonomous surface vehicles.

Paddy Dowsett, managing director of MSubs’ Australian subsidiary MSubsPty Ltd, emphasized the immense potential in the Indo-Pacific region for maritime autonomous system capabilities. The collaboration with Alkath Group will offer proven and cost-effective solutions for various maritime operations, spanning industries such as defence, resources, and scientific research. The first vessel resulting from this collaboration, the Oceanus, is scheduled to undergo trials in Australia in 2025 to ensure compliance with the country’s maritime regulatory framework.

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