Anduril Industries and the Australian Defence Force have begun discussions for a US$100 million co-funded design, development, and production program for the Royal Australian Navy’s Extra Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (XL-AUVs).
Defence Minister Petter Dutton said the program – which will also incorporate Australian SMEs –aims to deliver new autonomous robotic undersea warfare capability for the Navy that would complement its submarine and surface fleet.
“This capability would potentially complement and enhance the agility and potency of the Navy’s current submarine and surface combatant force in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” the Minister said.
“The vessels would also give the Australian Defence Force innovative mission options while presenting a disruptive and difficult undersea problem for any adversary.
“Through the co-funded arrangement, the RAN, Defence Science and Technology Group and Anduril will produce three prototype XLAUVs over the next three years resulting in a manufacture ready XLAUV.”
XLAUVs are unmanned multi-mission capable robotic vessels that are inexpensive, autonomous, and durable.
Typically between 10-30 metres long, these vessels are also modular, adaptable, and can be loaded with a number of payloads for a variety of military and non-military operations such advanced intelligence, infrastructure inspection, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.
David Goodrich, OAM, Exec Chairman and CEO, Anduril Australia, said the company will design, develop and manufacture the XL-AUVs in Australia using a local and highly-skilled workforce.
He said Austril would also “actively partner with other Australian SMEs and the research and technology communities” to source nearly all elements of the supply chain for the program.
“The XL-AUV project is a significant investment in Australian industrial capabilities,” Mr Goodrich, continued.
“Through this partnership, Anduril Australia will become a major player in the thriving defence industrial base in Australia and contribute to Australia becoming a leading exporter of cutting-edge autonomous capability to the rest of the world.”
