Australia Issues First Naval Permit to Operate to Lightfish Drone Boat for AUKUS Trials at RIMPAC

Australia's naval seaworthiness regulator issued its first Naval Permit to Operate for a Seasats Lightfish uncrewed surface vessel operated by Elysium EPL during AUKUS Pillar II activities at RIMPAC 2026. The permit enabled a limited experimental vessel to enter Defence maritime operations under defined conditions and risk controls without full naval classification. The Australian Naval Seaworthiness Authority assessed the case with the naval classification authority, the AUKUS project team and the operator. The Department of Defence disclosed the regulatory milestone on October 29 but has not published the permit's duration, specific operating limits or the number of vessels covered.