Building a Sovereign Industry Capability

Senator Hollie Hughes, the Patron Senator for the Hunter Region, today officially opened BlueZone’s Unmanned Maritime Systems Support Centre.

BlueZone Group is one of the thousands of SMEs around Australia that support the acquisition and sustainment of capability for the ADF.

“The addition of the Unmanned Maritime Systems Support Centre (UMSSC) will only strengthen this already impressive operation and allow it to continue to service a range of unmanned underwater and unmanned surface vehicles for our Army and Navy – while further developing new technology for the Wave Glider,” Senator Hughes said.

Since 2000, BlueZone has provided a truly sovereign defence industrial base for the support of unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles operated by Navy and Army. The aims of the ADF to operationalise unmanned maritime systems can be supported by industry partners like BlueZone with more than 20 years’ experience in providing support for a range of existing Navy and Army robotic systems.

“This places BlueZone, a Hunter Region firm, at the absolute centre of defence innovation,” Senator Hughes said.

The initiatives outlined in the new Defence Strategic Update 2020 will assist companies like BlueZone Group to innovate and generate new capability solutions for the ADF.

For example, under contract P17-246768 Theatre ASW- Off board DCL using Wave Gliders, BlueZone and SME partners (Sonartech Atlas and Acacia Systems) will deliver a highly automated and autonomous system which will contribute to the ADF’s integrated undersea surveillance system.

“It’s incredible to think that this autonomous Wave Glider powered by waves, solar energy and batteries and fitted with superior technology can be sent to sea for up to 18 months – detecting friendly and unfriendly submarines,” Senator Hughes said.

BlueZone Group chief executive officer Elizabeth Karpiel said BlueZone had been very pleased to provide long-term support to the ADF. “Our experience and track record are testament to the capability of our people and our strength and stability for more than two decades,” said Elizabeth.

“BlueZone provides leading-edge jobs in maritime robotics and unmanned systems for engineers, technicians and support staff from locations in Newcastle, NSW and Bibra Lake, WA.”

“Our east and west coast locations are ideal for servicing Navy support requirements on both sides of the country.”

Defence has a clear strategy for the future use of robotic and autonomous systems. BlueZone will continue to provide world class products and support to help achieve the Defence strategy. Australian SMEs like BlueZone are fundamental to Australia’s defence capability.

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