New Zealand navy acquires two Bluebottle USVs

New Zealand's two new Bluebottle USVs from Ocius Technologies are formally named Tahi and Rua . (NZDF)

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) unveiled on 15 April two Bluebottle unmanned surface vessels (USVs) acquired from Australian firm Ocius Technologies. At a ceremony at the Devonport Naval Base near Auckland, the 7.4 m-long Bluebottles were christened Tahi and Rua.

Although they are navy assets, the NZCS contributed funds for their acquisition, meaning it becomes a primary stakeholder for future missions such as combating transnational crime and drug trafficking.

Both Bluebottles arrived separately in March, purchased after a seven-month trial in 2024 with another Bluebottle leased from Ocius. That one played a critical role in an operation in April 2024 to recover a box containing 7 kg of heroin hidden on the hull of a commercial ship sailing to Auckland.

Autonomous Systems Staff Officer in the RNZN Commander Andy Bryant told Janes that leasing that particular USV “was a relatively low-cost, low-risk way” for the navy to build organisationally as it scales up the use of uncrewed systems. However, given cost benefits, “it made more sense to purchase rather than continue leasing”.

The lease ended in June 2024, with the RNZN then procuring the Bluebottle. However, it was later exchanged for a newer craft to ensure the RNZN enjoyed fleet commonality.

Kiwi Bluebottles are fitted with a 360° camera, electro-optic/infrared camera, radar, and an automatic identification system (AIS). There is not yet a funded plan for a thin-line towed array, but “it's definitely something that we see has potential”, Cdr Bryant said.

Other sensors could be added, such as ones for meteorology or environmental and pollutant protection, dependent on interest from government agencies.