Defence has awarded $6.2 million to three Australian-based companies as part of the 2025 AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge.
The AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge sought innovative offerings from Australian industry that focused on cutting-edge technologies to support undersea communications and control of autonomous systems.
These technologies are fundamental to an autonomous system’s ability to operate safely, efficiently, and effectively to protect critical undersea infrastructure and secure international waters.
BAE Systems Australia, L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Australia Pty Ltd and Mission Systems Pty Ltd have received contracts with the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), as part of the challenge.
The key enabling capabilities being developed through this challenge will support interoperability between AUKUS partners and their uncrewed undersea vehicles as part of the AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project.
The contracts will support the development of communication capabilities between undersea vehicles (UVs) and command and control battle management systems, as well as navigational data for UVs.
These technologies will be demonstrated by the end of 2026.
First held in 2024, the second AUKUS Innovation Challenge Series connects AUKUS governments with industrial and innovation sectors to accelerate delivery of priority capabilities identified under AUKUS Pillar II.
ASCA leads the Australian component of the challenge, working with the United Kingdom Defence Innovation Organisation (UKDI) and the United States Defense Innovation Unit (US DIU).
Quote attributable to Head Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Major General Hugh Meggitt:
“Through the 2025 AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge, ASCA is collaborating with local industry and AUKUS partners to rapidly develop interoperable systems that translate innovation into real-world maritime capability.
“This work will strengthen the effectiveness, resilience, and reach of uncrewed undersea operations across the Indo-Pacific.”
