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In an updated blast from the past, Leidos Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the lethality of the Sea Archer platform.
This modern twist on the fast, hard-hitting patrol boats of World War II, Leidos Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have joined forces to explore pairing Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) with Leidos’ cutting-edge uncrewed surface vessel (USV) Sea Archer and its larger sibling, Longbow.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to investigate how integrating the NSM – a stealthy, sea-skimming, precision-guided missile with a range of more than 300 kilometres – could transform Australia’s maritime strike options.
Drawing inspiration from the agile PT boats that once prowled the Pacific, these autonomous vessels promise high speed, long reach and serious firepower without putting crews in harm’s way.
Built in Australia, Sea Archer is a 40-knot, 1,500-nautical-mile range USV designed for modular missions including strike, electronic warfare, resupply and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. It can carry more than 900 kilograms of payload, powered by advanced autonomy and AI-driven battle management systems developed by Leidos.
The larger Longbow variant ups the ante, boasting four 300-horsepower OXE marine diesel engines, a payload capacity of 3,000 kilograms and an extended range beyond 2,750 nautical miles.
Still at the proof-of-concept stage, Leidos and Kongsberg plan to trial integrated missile payloads in both the US and Australia in 2026, demonstrating how these crewless craft could deliver rapid, flexible and sovereign maritime strike capability.
“This MOU represents a significant step forward in exploring a mission-ready, sovereign maritime strike capability for Australia,” said Paul Chase, chief executive of Leidos Australia.
“By combining the proven performance of the NSM with the flexibility and endurance of Longbow and Sea Archer, we’re offering Defence a potent, adaptable and locally supported solution for future operational needs.”
If successful, the partnership could mark the rebirth of the PT boat concept, this time, unmanned, AI-driven and ready to project Australian firepower far beyond the horizon.
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.
