An Adelaide-led technology project is being progressed for potential use in the Royal Australian Navy’s undersea surveillance, aiming to improve automatic detection, tracking and localisation of threats in complex ocean environments.
Adelaide-based defence software company Acacia Systems collaborated with Defence Science and Technology Group, the University of Adelaide, Curtin University and Saab Australia on technology intended to provide greater precision across a larger surveillance area.
The work was framed around improving operational performance by increasing the accuracy and range of automatic detection and improving the tracking and localisation of undersea threats. Defence previously identified these challenges as a research priority under the former Remote Undersea Surveillance STaR Shot program.
The release said the project delivered three outcomes: improved potential for automatic detection beyond existing capabilities; options for more accurate placement of sensors with a higher degree of tracking; and integration of Acacia’s Onyx platform with Saab’s combat management system to support interoperability within Australia’s warship combat system network.
According to the release, the results have led to further engagement with Defence Science and Technology Group and Navy to explore transitioning the work into an operational capability.
The South Australian Government provided $1.6 million through the Defence Innovation Partnership’s Activator Fund, which supports the translation of defence technologies into operational use by the Australian Defence Force.
Chris Picton said: “This is exactly the kind of cutting-edge capability we want being developed right here in South Australia, technology that strengthens our national security while backing local jobs and expertise.”
Picton added: “By improving the detection, tracking and localisation of undersea threats, this technology has the potential to give the Royal Australian Navy a sharper edge in increasingly complex environments.”
Bob Humphreys, CEO of Acacia Systems, said: “The success of the Activator project benefitted enormously from having an absolute clarity of vision – to enhance Australia’s sovereign capability in autonomous undersea surveillance aligned with one of Defence’s investment priorities focussed on undersea warfare and uncrewed maritime systems.”
Humphreys said Acacia intends to integrate the research outcomes into its Onyx automatic threat detection and tracking system within the next 12 months. He added that Onyx is already supporting Defence’s contributions to the Australian Government’s Operation Resolute commitments with the Ocius Bluebottles.
