In a landmark meeting during the Indo-Pacific Endeavour, representatives from Australia's naval and defence technology sectors engaged with their Singaporean counterparts to chart a future focused on robotics, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.
Royal Australian Navy and Defence Science Technology Group’s (DSTG) partnership with the Republic of Singapore Navy aims to redefine maritime security and operational effectiveness for both nations for the next decade.
Australian Maritime Deployable Robotic Autonomous Systems and Experimentation Unit (MDREU) commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Charlie Kenney, said that Singapore’s sophisticated unmanned surface vehicle technology made it an important naval partner for Australia.
“Within the next decade, robotic technologies will transform the maritime industry and we'll see an increase in uncrewed vessels and RAS-AI technology on and under the water," stated Lieutenant Commander Kenney
“Singapore is one of the leading nations developing in this space, so it makes sense that we collaborate.”
Through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Endeavour, Australia and Singapore are laying the groundwork for robust regional partnerships, thereby bolstering collective capabilities in tackling shared security challenges in an evolving environment.
????SingaporeSailors from the @Australian_Navy Maritime Robotics Deployable Experimentation Unit have met with their Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts to discuss the future of autonomous surface and underwater platforms during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023. pic.twitter.com/DtUUGYTciA
— Joint Operations Command (@hqjoc) August 31, 2023
Broader implications
Elaborating on the broader implications of this collaboration, DSTG's Discipline Lead in RAS/vehicle systems integration Neil Tavener said: "This technology will extend our current capabilities by using autonomous systems to supplement manned platforms and allow us to operate in areas where people can't go."
By leveraging their individual strengths in the maritime sector, the partnership aims to generate operational efficiencies, enhance workforce capabilities, achieve cost benefits and foster technological advancements.
“We bring certain experiences to the table and Singapore offers unique insights in areas that we can learn from which will improve our own development,” Tavener added
“Combined with our shared values and objectives this is a good partnership for both nations.”