L3 buys unmanned vessel specialist ASV Global

US defense contractor L3 Technologies announced it has acquired unmanned surface vessel (USV) and autonomous vessel control systems company ASV Global.

With this acquisition, L3 is expanding its unmanned vessel portfolio with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) solutions, unmanned off-board sensors and integrated unmanned surface and undersea vessel (USV/UUV) operations.

The new company will be known as L3 ASV.

“Autonomous capabilities for surface ships and undersea vessels are top priorities for our naval and commercial maritime customers, and we are increasing our investments to lead in this strategic growth area and strengthen L3’s position as a leading supplier of maritime solutions,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, L3’s Chairman, chief executive officer and president. “The addition of L3 ASV enables us to deliver both unmanned surface and undersea vehicle technologies to an expanded international customer base and take a prime contractor position on major unmanned systems.”

Based in Louisiana and the United Kingdom, L3 ASV delivers surface vessels in a range of sizes, currently from 10 to 42 feet.