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British defence technology company SubSea Craft and Australian firm Greenroom Robotics have signed a teaming agreement that deepens cooperation across the AUKUS technology ecosystem and advances shared priorities in undersea and autonomous warfare.
The agreement will integrate Greenroom’s advanced autonomous control systems into SubSea Craft’s (SSC) Maritime Autonomy Reconnaissance System (MARS) platform, a next-generation uncrewed surface vessel, while opening pathways for further joint research and development in Australia.
SSC has self-funded the design and construction of three cutting-edge maritime platforms, including MARS, Victa, and Caddis, all of which are aligned with the goals of AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on technological collaboration in areas such as maritime autonomy, rapid capability development and manned–unmanned teaming.
Both companies have previously demonstrated and validated their technologies in Australia and the United States, proving real-world effectiveness in operational scenarios.
The MARS platform has already undergone extensive testing in Tasmania, leveraging the state’s reputation as a maritime innovation hub.
Tasmania’s nine deregulated waterways provide diverse test conditions, from shallow coastal zones to deep, fast-flowing channels, allowing accelerated experimentation and validation. The local environment has enabled rapid refinement of the vessel’s systems, pushing the platform closer to operational readiness.
Camilla Martin, chief executive officer of SubSea Craft, said the partnership marked another milestone in building a trusted industrial and technological foundation across the AUKUS alliance.
“This teaming agreement is another step in strengthening the AUKUS ecosystem and will be crucial to our success as a credible partner to the AUKUS nations,” Martin said.
“Agility is key. To meet the pace that the warfighter deserves, it is vital we work with leading technology companies, pooling knowledge and expertise in support of those on the front line.”
Harry Hubbert, co-founder and chief operating officer of Greenroom Robotics, said the collaboration was an important leap forward for autonomous naval systems.
“We are proud that Greenroom’s advanced maritime autonomy has been chosen to power SubSea Craft’s pioneering MARS platform,” Hubbert said.
“The rapid delivery of proven capability is critical for protecting our maritime environments. This partnership will deliver force-multiplier effects to secure our vast oceans. The MARS uncrewed surface vessel enables powerful human–machine teaming, helping to keep people – our forces’ most valuable assets – out of harm’s way.”
The partnership underscores the growing importance of Australian industry in delivering AUKUS-aligned technologies that are mission-relevant, scalable and deployable at speed.
Through collaboration with companies like Greenroom Robotics, SSC is contributing to a broader AUKUS innovation ecosystem, where technologies are conceived in the UK, co-developed in Australia and integrated with US systems and payloads.
As maritime environments across the Indo-Pacific become increasingly contested, the SSC–Greenroom partnership demonstrates how allied defence industries can combine agility and innovation to deliver cutting-edge capabilities that enhance deterrence, interoperability and regional security.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
