Ocius to test Bluebottle USV for Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Australia’s Ocius Technology and Japan’s Seisgadget will conduct in-water performance verification of the Bluebottle unmanned surface vessel for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Under a contract that began in August, the companies will build the test craft in Sydney and carry out acceptance activities in Australian waters to assess persistent maritime surveillance. Bluebottle uses solar, wind and wave energy for long-endurance operations and can monitor surface and underwater environments. The evaluation follows Japan’s participation as an observer in the 2024 Maritime Big Play trials, in which the Royal Australian Navy deployed a sensor-equipped Bluebottle.