BAE Systems and Canadian subsea engineering firm
Cellula Robotics have signed a 10-year exclusive agreement to continue the development of Herne, the UK’s first autonomous submarine designed specifically for military use. The announcement follows a successful series of trials in the UK and Canada throughout 2024, with a market-ready version expected by the end of 2026.
Developed in just 11 months from concept to sea trials, Herne is powered by BAE’s Nautomate autonomous control system and Cellula’s hydrogen-based energy solution, offering extended endurance and operational flexibility. The craft is designed to support a range of missions including anti-submarine warfare, covert surveillance, and seabed infrastructure protection.
Herne’s autonomous design eliminates the need for onboard crew or life-support systems, enabling persistent underwater operations at a fraction of the cost of traditional submarines. It can operate independently or in tandem with crewed platforms, providing a scalable and cost-effective maritime defence capability.
Scott Jamieson, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime and Land Defence Solutions, said: “Herne is a game-changer in the underwater battlespace. It offers endurance, efficiency and scale while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.”
Neil Manning, CEO of Cellula Robotics, concluded: “Herne fills a critical gap in naval operations. It’s a cost-effective force multiplier that integrates seamlessly with existing marine defence systems.”