Australian defence entity Alkath Group and UK-based MSubs have announced a new partnership to accelerate Australia’s maritime autonomous capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The partnership allows cost-effective and versatile uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) to be available for various applications, including defence, marine science and commercial offshore survey operations.
“Our collaboration with MSubs represents a significant step forward in bringing affordable advanced maritime autonomous technology with speed to Australia,” said Alkath Group Managing Director Phil Guy. “Leveraging MSubs’ 20 years of expertise with the UK and US Navies, we are poised to deliver cutting-edge USVs that meet the unique needs of our region. We aim to provide an innovative chartered autonomous USV service for payload development.”
“Our collaboration allows us to utilise MSubs’ designs and integrate them with our local manufacturing capabilities,” he added. “Bringing technology proven in the UK and the US to Australia is an example of an AUKUS-inspired collaboration that helps meet the AUKUS Pillar Two artificial intelligence, electromagnetic warfare and autonomy capability goals. This will create new opportunities for local and national SMEs to utilise our combined expertise in autonomous surface vehicles, payload development and integration, enabling affordable innovation in the Australian maritime industry.”
“While research and development are a key focus for Alkath Group, we also recognise it is often best to avoid reinventing the wheel by adding value to existing advanced products, enhancing their capabilities and tailoring them to meet the specific demands of the Australian market. Building on MSubs’ class-leading technology, we offer USV solutions that are both cutting-edge and practical.”
Paddy Dowsett, Managing Director of MSubs’ newly formed Australian subsidiary MSubs Pty Ltd, said the Indo-Pacific region presented immense potential to deploy maritime autonomous system capabilities.
“Our work with Alkath Group will enable us to offer proven and cost-effective solutions for various maritime operations across a range of industries, from defence to resources to scientific research,” he said. “This collaboration not only expands our market reach but also brings together the strengths of two companies in advancing maritime technology. We look forward to seeing the positive impact our collaboration will have on Australia’s maritime autonomous operations.”
The first vessel under this partnership, the Oceanus, is expected to undergo trials in Australia in 2025 to ensure it complies with the Australian maritime regulatory framework.
