"The uncrewed sub, dubbed Herne, is officially known as an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV). It was designed to monitor and help protect underwater infrastructure, possibly in light of the growing threat of sabotage to undersea cables. However, BAE Systems says Herne can conduct a wider range of missions, including supporting anti-submarine warfare and undertaking covert surveillance. Trials in late 2024 saw the craft conduct a pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission."
"Although described as extra-large, Herne can fit into a standard 40-foot shipping container, perhaps an indication of how it might be transported for deployment. The uncrewed sub is said to have a range of up to 5000 kilometers (about 3,100 miles) with up to 45 days endurance, at depths of 5000 meters (about 16,400 feet). Herne is battery powered, but BAE is looking at other options, such as hydrogen fuel cells."
BAE Systems is preparing Herne, an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV) designed for monitoring and protecting underwater infrastructure and wider missions such as anti-submarine warfare and covert surveillance. The uncrewed sub performed a pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission during trials in late 2024. BAE has entered a 10-year development agreement with Canadian company Cellula Robotics to deliver a working craft by the end of 2026. Herne fits in a standard 40-foot shipping container, reportedly has a 5,000 km range and up to 45 days endurance at 5,000 meters depth, and is battery powered with potential hydrogen fuel cell options and a flexible payload bay.
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