QinetiQ and Forcys have entered a new collaboration aimed at strengthening Australia’s maritime safety and sovereign capability, particularly in the realm of undersea warfare and autonomous systems. The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, merges QinetiQ’s deep expertise in defense testing and evaluation with Forcys’ advanced underwater sensing, navigation, and communication technologies.
The joint effort will support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) by enhancing how submarines, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and unmanned surface vessels are tested, validated, and certified. The companies plan to develop deployable underwater ranges and next-generation test systems that can assess platforms in complex real-world conditions rather than controlled laboratory environments.
Australia’s push for maritime security comes amid increased undersea activity by near-peer rivals and emerging threats from hostile submarines, mines, and unmanned underwater systems. For years, the nation has been investing in advanced testing infrastructure in areas such as Jervis Bay and Exmouth, enabling the navy to trial sonar suites, surveillance platforms, and AUVs in deep-water and littoral zones.
The partnership supports Australia’s broader modernization agenda outlined in the Defence Strategic Review and aligns with AUKUS Pillar 2 technology objectives. These initiatives also complement the country’s rapid adoption of autonomous maritime tools, including mine-hunting AUVs under Sea 129 Phase 4, coastal surveillance drones, and remote underwater inspection systems. Sensor networks from partners like Sonardyne and Chelsea Technologies further strengthen tracking, telemetry, and threat identification across the fleet.
