First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing
The Herne XLAUV was tested off the UK's south coast. (Picture: BAE Systems)
The BAE Systems Herne XLAUV has hit the water.
BAE Systems in the UK has demonstrated the operation of its new XLAUV (Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vessel), the Herne, during an assessment process off the English south coast near Portsmouth.
The Herne XLAUV was designed to give navies a sturdy “off board sensor” that could inspect undersea infrastructure, support anti-submarine warfare and deliver covert subsea surveillance.
The Herne, when deployed in the wild, has a degree of on board decision-making within its makeup, “deciding” for itself whether discovered information requires immediate surfacing and sending or whether sustained station-keeping is the more effective course of action.
The trial process involved the Herne conducting
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Europe’s naval contractors benefit from growing refit and upgrade demand]()
Europe’s naval contractors benefit from growing refit and upgrade demand
Rheinmetall’s order to modernise the German Navy frigate Bayern points to a wider European shift towards extending warship service life as new-build programmes face delay.
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
