The Royal New Zealand Navy is currently awaiting the arrival of its latest Uncrewed Surface Vessel, the wind-powered “Bluebottle,” ahead of a 7-month sea trial.
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will soon receive its first 22.3-foot (6.8-meter) long renewable-powered Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) to trial on a short-term lease, the New Zealand Defense Force has announced. Called “Bluebottle,” the USV will provide persistent surveillance around the waters of New Zealand for fishery protection, border protection, or meteorological data.
Autonomous border control
HMNZS Aotearoa is currently transporting the USV from Sydney to Auckland. Once operational, “Bluebottle” will undertake maritime tasks without fuel or personnel on its planned seven-month-long trial. Designed and built by Sydney-based Ocius Technology, the company has sold several USVs to the Australian Defence Force and collaborated with the Australian Border Force, energy, and scientific agencies.
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