The Royal Australian Navy's Anzac Class Designer Support Contract, DSC-West, will see BMT provide specialist engineering support. BMT's 2024 acquisition of Australian Maritime Technologies preserves an unbroken design lineage from the original build programme. 

BAE Systems' Herne extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle is set to be the first platform of its kind certified under Lloyd's Register's Unmanned Marine Systems Code. The milestone establishes recognised assurance standards for large uncrewed submersibles, with significant implications for naval architects and the defence maritime sector.

The UK Government has committed £50 million to Plymouth's National Centre for Marine Autonomy, targeting UUV and USV development. Smart Sound Plymouth offers more than 1,000km² of deconflicted water space and 75m offshore depths, while proximity to HM Naval Base Devonport adds operational credibility for autonomous systems validation.