12 December 2023
Navy has partnered with HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program panellist, MMA Offshore, to deliver robotic and autonomous systems upskilling and experiential learning to mine warfare, maritime geospatial and technical sailors.
Navy is pivoting towards advanced robotic and autonomous systems to give it the edge in undersea warfare operations.
The rapid, simultaneous introduction of new capability will require a workforce that is competent and familiar with this cutting-edge technology.
On November 21, MMA Offshore sailed from Fremantle with 20 sailors from across Navy, including the mine warfare, maritime geospatial and technical communities.
Seven 21-day voyages will occur before June 2024, off Fremantle and north-west Australia.
Integrated workshops and hands-on activities will provide real-world experience in the planning, execution, management and support of uncrewed underwater vehicles, uncrewed surface vessels, towed side-scan sonar, deep-water multi-beam echo sounders and a range of seabed sensors.
Lieutenant Commander James Brewster, Principal Warfare Officer – Mine Warfare posted to Navy Capability Division, participated in the first robotic and autonomous systems upskilling voyage.
“This activity reaffirms Navy’s partnerships with Australian industry to integrate advanced systems to meet Defence needs,” Lieutenant Commander Brewster said.
