Leidos Australia Introduces Sea Archer: A New Era in Maritime Autonomy

On September 8, 2025, Leidos announced a significant development in maritime technology with the introduction of the Sea Archer, a next-generation uncrewed surface vessel (USV). This initiative not only highlights Leidos' commitment to enhancing maritime autonomy but also underscores its strategic relevance to the AUKUS security partnership, which includes Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The construction of the Sea Archer within Australia is seen as a major leap forward for local capabilities and a testament to Leidos' extensive experience and technology in autonomous maritime systems. With a legacy of over 50 years collaborating with the U.S. Navy, Leidos aims to deliver proven capabilities that will meet the mission requirements of the Australian Defence Force while supporting regional security efforts in the Indo-Pacific.

Advanced Autonomy at the Core

At the heart of the Sea Archer is the advanced LAVA autonomy platform developed by Leidos. This system allows for high-speed, long-range operations and smart mission execution across a variety of maritime conditions. The Sea Archer is designed to integrate seamlessly with Leidos' suite of battle management technologies, such as ADEPT and AlphaMosaic, leveraging AI for effective fleet operations. This makes the vessel intelligent, adaptable, and cost-effective, meeting the evolving demands of modern naval warfare.

The Sea Archer showcases impressive specifications, featuring sprint speeds of up to 40 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles. It sports a flexible payload bay capable of handling over 900kg, enabling it to perform a range of missions — from strike operations and logistics resupply to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and even electromagnetic deception. Such versatility ensures that the Sea Archer can sufficiently address various operational scenarios.

Local Manufacturing and Sovereignty

The initiative to manufacture Sea Archer in Australia aims to create a robust local supply chain that encompasses everything from construction to payload integration and software development. This approach not only fortifies Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities but also promotes rapid production and maintenance cycles, ensuring that the vessel can be deployed effectively when needed.

The initial construction of the vessel is already underway at Oceans Rivers Lakes, a company based on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Their engagement in building the aluminum vessel signifies a strategic partnership intended to bolster local industry while fostering technological advancements in maritime autonomy. Leidos Australia’s technical team will take charge of integrating the autonomy software, capitalizing on prior successes in deploying USVs across various platforms.

A Vision for the Future

Paul Chase, Chief Executive of Leidos Australia, emphasized the critical need for platforms with broad coverage, endurance, and agility, especially given Australia’s vast northern territories. The ability to monitor expansive areas and detect potential security threats can substantially enhance national security in today’s complex geopolitical climate.

Chase stated, "We aim to establish a swift production capability; the aluminum hull makes Sea Archer simple to build at multiple shipyards. This flexibility allows us to deliver adaptable maritime solutions quickly, whether using our fleet or customer vessels to address mission demands." This practical approach could revolutionize maritime operations in Australia, providing the necessary flexibility to respond to dynamic challenges.

Alongside Sea Archer, Leidos’ Sea Systems portfolio boasts several operationally proven medium USVs, like Sea Hunter and Sea Hawk, as well as a suite of undersea technologies that contribute to enhancing the capabilities of maritime operations.

Currently undergoing sea trials in the U.S., Sea Archer is expected to be mission-ready by 2026, setting an ambitious timeline for the integration of advanced maritime technologies into Australian defense operations.

Conclusion

Leidos Australia's initiative to construct Sea Archer in the country represents a significant stride forward in maritime autonomy and aligns seamlessly with AUKUS objectives. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering local manufacturing capabilities, Leidos sets the stage for a transformative chapter in naval operations, ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of modern defense strategies in the Indo-Pacific region.