iscover
Ocius’ new uncrewed surface vessel, Bluebottle, has featured in the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet review in Sydney Harbour.
Over the weekend, Ocius’ highly anticipated Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel (USV) featured in a fleet review as a part of Exercise Kakadu and commemorations for the 125th anniversary of the Navy.
The inclusion of Bluebottle marks a significant milestone for both Ocius and the RAN, as this is the first USV to be marked as a Navy-registered vessel and included in a formal fleet review.
“By participating in the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026, the Royal Australian Navy is making clear that uncrewed systems are an integral part of Australia’s advanced maritime capabilities,” said Robert Dane, CEO of Ocius Technology.
“The Bluebottle USV is an operational capability already delivering persistent maritime surveillance for Australia.”
On 11 March, Ocius revealed that it has secured a $176 million program of record with the Navy to guarantee the supply of an additional 40 Bluebottle USVs to the existing fleet.
This deal is one of the biggest acquisitions of USVs globally.
Ocius said the Bluebottle feet will “significantly enhance” Australia’s maritime strategy, as the entirely clean, fuel-free USVs offer extensive endurance and surveillance capabilities.
Its ability to integrate into existing underwater and surface vessels makes it a strategic acquisition as the ADF continues to invest in uncrewed, sovereign systems.
“With Bluebottle USVs designed and manufactured right here in Australia, this important milestone also reflects the world-leading innovation of our maritime defence technology industry,” Dane added.
“Importantly, Bluebottle USVs are powered by renewable energy, utilising solar, wind and wave energy, meaning they require no fuel and are capable of long-endurance operations.”
Exercise Kakadu is a biannual maritime engagement opportunity that will this year feature 30 warships from 20 countries assembling on Sydney Harbour.
