UK’s first autonomous extra large submarine for military use tested

A team of British engineers based in Portsmouth has successfully demonstrated a new type of autonomous submarine, developed specifically for military use, off the south coast of England. 

BAE Systems has introduced Herne, an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV) designed to enhance military capabilities in underwater surveillance, infrastructure protection, and anti-submarine warfare.

Developed in collaboration with Canadian company Cellula Robotics, Herne aims to provide a versatile solution for military forces to operate in the underwater domain with increased endurance and reduced reliance on human crews.

The XLAUV is equipped with autonomous systems that allow it to monitor and protect underwater infrastructure across vast areas of the seabed.

The vehicle can operate without the need for life support systems or regular resupply, enabling it to remain submerged for extended periods. This extended operational endurance makes it suitable for covert missions and long-term surveillance in challenging environments, according to the companies.

Furthermore, the Herne platform is designed to be adaptable, with the capability to integrate with both new and existing naval vessels.

Specifically, it incorporates Nautomate, a system that enhances autonomous capabilities. This system is intended to free up human personnel from performing repetitive or hazardous tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-priority operations, it was noted.

A key feature of the Herne XLAUV is its open architecture, which allows for upgrades and integration of new technologies or mission-specific plug-ins as they become available. This design ensures that the platform can evolve in response to changing technological developments and operational needs.

The development of Herne has progressed rapidly, with BAE Systems and Cellula Robotics delivering a demonstrator configuration in 11 months.

BAE Systems plans to continue refining Herne through additional trials. The company is working to enhance the vehicle’s performance and capabilities to meet evolving mission requirements.

BAE Systems said that the introduction of Herne represents a significant step forward in autonomous maritime technology, offering military forces “a tool with improved endurance and scalability for underwater operations”. Its modular design and ability to integrate with existing naval platforms further expand its potential applications in military and security operations, it highlighted.

“Herne is a game changer in the underwater battlespace. It will give our customers a cost effective autonomous capability that will allow for a wide range of missions, end the reliance on crewed platforms, keeping people out of harm’s way and boosting endurance,” Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Services business