Anduril Industries, Kongsberg Discovery, and Oceaneering International to Prototype Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicles for U.S. Navy
Anduril Industries, Kongsberg Discovery, and Oceaneering International have been chosen by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to prototype large displacement unmanned underwater vehicles (LDUUVs) in support of the U.S. Navy’s subsea and seabed warfare efforts, as well as undersea warfare. The goal is to accelerate the development of long-range and autonomous underwater sensing capabilities for use in deep and contested environments. Live demonstrations are anticipated to take place by March 2024.
Navy Teams Up With Defense Innovation Unit to Advance Undersea Warfare Capabilities
The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), is working on identifying industry-made unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) platforms capable of supporting undersea warfare. The Navy’s Program Office for Advanced Undersea Systems, also known as PMS 394, will be partnering with DIU to accelerate the development of new undersea capabilities in subsea and seabed warfare. Capt. Grady Hill, program manager for PMS 394, emphasizes the importance of utilizing rapid contracting authorities to speed up the process and enhance U.S. maritime defense capabilities.
Leading Industry Players Awarded Prototype Agreements for UUV Development
In a move to bolster U.S. undersea capabilities, leading industry players Anduril Industries, Kongsberg Discovery, and Oceaneering International have been awarded prototype agreements by the Defense Innovation Unit. These agreements aim to support the U.S. Navy’s advancements in undersea warfare by developing long-range, autonomous underwater sensing and payload capabilities. The partnerships and collaborations between the Navy, DIU, and industry experts will bring cutting-edge technology to the forefront, enabling the acceleration of UUV development.
U.S. Maritime Defense Advancement Takes Center Stage
The Naval Sea Systems Command, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit, has selected industry leaders to rapidly advance new undersea capabilities in the subsea and seabed warfare domain. Through the utilization of rapid contracting authorities, the Navy is committed to speeding up its development plans and delivering enhanced undersea capabilities to the Fleet. With the development of long-range, autonomous underwater sensing and payload capabilities, the U.S. maritime defense capabilities will be significantly enhanced, positioning the nation at the forefront of undersea warfare advancements.
Live Demonstrations of Undersea Vehicles Expected by 2024
The Defense Innovation Unit has announced that live demonstrations of the undersea vehicles developed by Anduril Industries, Kongsberg Discovery, and Oceaneering International are anticipated to take place by March 2024. These demonstrations will highlight the advancements made in long-range and autonomous underwater sensing technologies, as well as the payload capabilities of the unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). This significant progress represents a crucial step forward for the U.S. Navy’s subsea and seabed warfare operations, as well as undersea warfare capabilities, cementing the nation’s position as a leader in maritime defense.
Analyst comment
Positive news:
– The collaboration between the Navy, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and industry players Anduril Industries, Kongsberg Discovery, and Oceaneering International is expected to rapidly advance undersea capabilities.
– Live demonstrations of the undersea vehicles are anticipated to showcase advancements in long-range and autonomous underwater sensing technologies and payload capabilities by March 2024.
Market analysis less than 300 characters:
The awarding of prototype agreements and upcoming live demonstrations indicate strong investment and advancements in undersea warfare capabilities. This collaboration could drive growth opportunities for Anduril Industries, Kongsberg Discovery, and Oceaneering International, increasing their market presence and potential for future contracts.
