Successful trial of UK’s first autonomous military submarine spurs extended collaboration between BAE & Cellula

The UK’s BAE Systems and Canadian company Cellula Robotics have signed a 10-year exclusive agreement to continue working together on Herne, a new autonomous submarine developed specifically for military use, and have announced that they expect to deliver a market ready craft for customers by the end of 2026.

The announcement follows successful trials last November during which the submarine conducted a pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission powered by Nautomate, BAE Systems’ platform agnostic autonomous control system.

BAE Systems has configured Herne to give militaries a cost-effective option to conduct various missions. It can support anti-submarine warfare, undertake covert surveillance missions and monitor and help protect underwater infrastructure across the vast expanses of the seabed.

Without the need to resupply or carry life support systems, it can work in tandem with crewed platforms or by itself to provide a persistent presence underwater for longer, at greater scale and a fraction of the cost of traditional submarines.

The trials last year were a huge success and I’m delighted that we’re building on that momentum with this new collaboration agreement to maintain the phenomenal pace at which we’re developing Herne.

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Quotes

“It’s a game changer in the underwater battlespace and will enable us to offer our customers a cost-effective autonomous capability providing them with more endurance, efficiency and scale, whilst keeping their people out of harm’s way.”

Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime & Land Defence Solutions business

“Herne, the result of this partnership, embodies the fusion of cutting-edge engineering from both companies to create a platform with unmatched endurance and operability, setting it apart from others in the field.

At Cellula, we believe Herne, powered by our hydrogen-based energy solution, represents a cost-effective force multiplier. It helps to fill an essential gap, complementing navies’ operational needs while seamlessly integrating with other marine defense systems. Cellula is honored to be selected by BAE Systems, recognising their foresight and vision in forming this partnership.”

Neil Manning, Chief Executive Officer, Cellula Robotics Ltd