BAE Systems joins hands with Canadian firm on new autonomous submarine

UK defense giant BAE Systems has signed a 10-year exclusive agreement with Canadian company Cellula Robotics to continue working together on Herne, a new autonomous submarine developed specifically for military use.

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 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.

“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,” Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime & Land Defence Solutions business, said.

“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,” Neil Manning, Chief Executive Officer, Cellula Robotics, added.

“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.”

This successful collaboration has so far resulted in a ‘whiteboard to water’ capability in just 11 months, culminating in a series of successful trials in the UK and Canada throughout 2024.

The trials informed a number of design enhancements and BAE Systems and Cellula Robotics continue to refine the Herne submarine, with the aim of delivering a market ready craft for customers by the end of 2026.