Phasor Innovation, Nomad Atomics, Q-CTRL secure Defence contracts for undersea navigation technology

Supported by our investment, these Australian companies will design and build technology that helps autonomous underwater vehicles identify their position in environments where GPS signals cannot reach or are unavailable.

“ASCA exists to accelerate the delivery of critical Defence capabilities. The Undersea Navigation Challenge is a tangible example of that approach in action,” according to ASCA Head, Major General Hugh Meggitt.

“By working with Australian industry to rapidly prototype, develop and employ undersea navigation systems, we are shortening the path from operational need through innovative solution to operational employment, all while strengthening Australia’s sovereign technology and industrial base.”

The Undersea Navigation Challenge asked Australian companies for innovative solutions to the challenge of autonomously navigating underwater. They needed to create small size, low weight, low power and low cost navigation systems suitable for autonomous underwater vehicles, which can operate independently for extended periods.

By working directly with Australian companies, Defence is accelerating innovation in the defence industry, backing in highly‑skilled jobs, and ensuring critical capabilities can be developed and sustained in Australia.

The Undersea Navigation Challenge is a joint effort across Defence, with support provided by Defence Science and Technology Group, Joint Capabilities Group and the Royal Australian Navy.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.