The platform is expected to be capable of supporting intelligence preparation of the operational environment, providing submarine-based autonomous oceanographic sensing and data collection for the Navy.

The MUUV is also tipped to provide surface-launched and recovered mine countermeasure capability.

Work is set to be performed from Leidos’ facility in Lynnwood, Washington.

"Our decades of experience fielding unmanned technology coupled with our familiarity with the ever-changing needs of the fleet, enables us to provide this critical capability to our warfighters at speed and scale," Michael Rickels, Leidos senior vice president of C4ISR Solutions, said.

"We look forward to building upon our long-standing relationship with the Navy and supporting their critical national security mission."

L3Harris Technologies is among a number of industry partners expected to support Leidos’ delivery of the MUUV.

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Rosemary Chapdelaine, president, maritime at L3Harris, welcomed the opportunity to leverage the company's Iver technology in support of the Leidos-led project.  

"The Leidos and L3Harris team successfully recovered AUVs through a submarine torpedo tube and we're excited to bring this dynamic launch and recovery capability to real-world missions," Chapdelaine added.

The MUUV deal comes just a month after NAVSEA awarded a $291 million (AU$421.3 million) follow-on contract to Leidos to support the Navy’s Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems Directorate.

The contract includes a one-year based period of performance with four additional one-year option periods, with work to be conducted across the globe.

As part of the program, Leidos is expected to perform a range of support services, including shipboard modernisation, curriculum development, training conduct, depot support, technical data, maintenance planning and management.

[Related: Leidos wins follow-on US Navy contract ]