IRIA News

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UK engineers demonstrated a new type of autonomous submarine, the Herne Extra-Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV). BAE Systems’ latest innovation is designed for underwater defense and surveillance, offering militaries with advanced capability to monitor and protect seabed infrastructure.

Herne is equipped with the advanced Nautomate control system which was tested earlier this month in pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, further solidifying BAE Systems’ position at the forefront of autonomous maritime technology.

Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business Scott Jamieson emphasized the transformative potential of Herne. “Herne is a game changer in the underwater battlespace,” Jamieson said highlighting that “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, keep people out of harm’s way, and boost endurance.”

Herne’s ability to operate autonomously eliminates the need for onboard human crews, significantly reducing risks to personnel and enabling militaries to focus skilled manpower on strategic and high-value tasks. Additionally, its autonomy allows for extended deployment periods, unencumbered by the need for life support systems or resupply missions, a crucial advantage in the vast and challenging underwater domain.

The development of Herne was achieved through a collaboration with Canadian technology firm Cellula Robotics. Remarkably, the two companies moved from conceptual design to an operational demonstrator within just 11 months, one of the most rapid-paced engineering collaborations for BAE Systems.

Herne leverages open architecture systems, enabling seamless integration of new technologies and mission-specific plug-ins. This ensures that the XLAUV remains adaptable to evolving operational requirements, further enhancing its value for military clients.

At the heart of Herne’s capabilities is the Nautomate control system, a versatile and platform-agnostic military-grade system designed for autonomous operations. The system has already proven its worth in surface vessels, and its integration into Herne represents a significant step forward in underwater autonomy. The Nautomate enables users to scale their autonomous capabilities with cost efficiency, extended operational endurance, and reduced reliance on crewed assets.

Future of autonomous maritime technology

Following the success of these initial trials, BAE Systems plans to refine Herne further, adapting its design to meet specific customer requirements. The rapid prototyping and testing of Herne exemplify the company’s ability to deliver tailored solutions for complex challenges in the maritime domain.

As defense agencies increasingly prioritize underwater security, the demand for XLAUVs like Herne is expected to grow. The vessel’s versatility and upgradeable design position it as an asset for operations ranging from infrastructure protection to covert surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.

Herne’s development is part of a larger wave of advancements in autonomous maritime systems. These technologies are transforming how militaries approach maritime security, allowing for persistent surveillance and operations in environments that would traditionally be inaccessible or hazardous for human crews. The implications extend beyond defense, with potential applications in environmental monitoring, resource exploration, and disaster response.

As autonomous technologies continue to mature, vessels like Herne represent not just a technological leap but also a strategic advantage for nations looking to secure their underwater domains. With its impressive capabilities and adaptability, Herne is poised to become a cornerstone of modern naval operations, ensuring safety and security beneath the waves.