SEA and ACUA sign MOU to explore integrated ASW and ISR

SEA, part of the Cohort plc Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ACUA Ocean, a specialist in Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), to explore the potential deployment of SEA’s towed array sonar systems aboard ACUA Ocean’s autonomous platforms for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

The strategic agreement sets the framework for a collaborative evaluation of the technical integration of SEA’s cutting-edge underwater sensing product, KraitSense and ACUA Ocean’s long-endurance, high sea state capable USVs. The partnership aims to unlock new operational concepts, identify joint commercial and defence opportunities, and support the future development of a combined unmanned maritime capability.

Richard Flitton, Managing Director of SEA said, “In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, the underwater battlespace is evolving quickly. While crewed platforms remain vital to ASW and ISR operations, uncrewed vessels hosting specialist KraitSense payloads will bring powerful complimentary capabilities, that enable persistent wide-area underwater sensing and situational awareness.

“As we explore the true potential of uncrewed ASW and ISR operations in partnership with ACUA Ocean, we’re proud to be delivering a future-ready solution designed to meet the demands of modern navies both now and in the coming years."

The MoU highlights SEA’s ongoing commitment to pioneering adaptable, scalable defence technologies in collaboration with innovative platform developers like ACUA Ocean. The combined system will offer a modular, flexible, low-risk, and cost-effective solution for enhanced undersea surveillance and maritime situational awareness.

Together, the companies aim to deliver a next-generation autonomous maritime surveillance capability that is modular, flexible and scalable to meet evolving operational demands.

SEA will take a lead role in evaluating and supporting the integration of its acoustics sensor systems, providing the necessary technical information and assets for testing. The company will also work closely with ACUA Ocean to co-develop operational concepts that align with current and emerging ASW and ISR mission requirements. Neil Tinmouth, Chief Executive Officer at ACUA Ocean said, “Working closely with SEA shows the power of innovative UK businesses collaborating to deliver the cutting-edge and cost-effective capability needed by navies worldwide in these increasingly complex times. By combining our stable ocean-going unmanned surface vessels with SEA’s leading ASW/ISR technology, we will deliver an autonomous solution that compliments and extends the operational benefits of existing platforms, and delivers scalable capabilities that enhance existing ASW and ISR operations.”

As part of the collaboration, SEA and ACUA Ocean will jointly develop mission concepts and use-case demonstrations. They will also showcase the integrated capability to international customers, leveraging their combined networks and industry expertise to reach defence and maritime stakeholders worldwide.