Australian Navy Sets Up New Unit for Unmanned Operations

The Australian Navy has created the Maritime Autonomous Systems Unit (MASU), to accelerate the development of maritime autonomous systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions.

The unit will operate multiple complementary capabilities, including the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XL-UUV), Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and the Speartooth large uncrewed underwater vehicle (LUUV).

The unit comprises the Uncrewed Systems Control Centre and Deployable Vehicle Team, enabling the deployment and control of autonomous systems from any wharf location anywhere in the world.

As part of the Royal Australian Navy’s contribution to AUKUS Pillar Two, MASU will act as the focal point for doctrine development, experimentation, employment, training, and test and evaluation of maritime uncrewed systems.

The unit will work closely with Defence industry, research partners and international allies to rapidly deliver emerging capabilities.