Anduril Industries has announced the opening of a new underwater drone factory at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, intended to support mass production of its line of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) Dive-LD. This strategic investment will enable the company to stay ahead of market demands and fulfill orders at unprecedented speed.
Underwater drone factory to boost maritime deterrence
AUVs are revolutionizing maritime deterrence by providing affordable, distributed and adaptable submarine capabilities that complement the U.S. and allied submarine fleet. The development and manufacture of these systems on a large scale and in operationally relevant timescales will be essential.
The new 100,000 to 150,000 square foot facility will allow Anduril to increase its production capacity to more than 200 units per year. This expansion is expected to generate more than 100 jobs in the first five years after opening in 2025.
Shane Arnott, senior vice president of Anduril Industries, expressed his enthusiasm for the construction of this state-of-the-art plant. According to Arnott, the plant will enable large-scale production and cost reduction in AUV deployment. With large contracts in the U.S. and Australia, Anduril is committed to mass production of these advanced capabilities.
Modular design and production of AUVs
Anduril’s AUVs are designed for large-scale production, using commercial off-the-shelf components and advanced manufacturing techniques that allow for rapid iterations according to customer needs. The plant’s strategic location near Anduril’s marine engineering center in Quincy, Massachusetts, ensures rapid feedback-based upgrades, even during full-capacity production.
The facility is also equipped to handle the entire hull life cycle, from research and development to maintenance.
Growing demand for underwater drones
The announcement of the new plant coincides with an increase in demand for AUVs from commercial and defense customers. The U.S. Navy, for example, recently awarded Anduril an $18.6 million contract for an initial AUV purchase following a competition last year.
Nick Stoner, director of Anduril Industries, stressed the importance of collaboration between the U.S. Navy, DIU and Congress in driving aggressive programs to rapidly acquire and demonstrate new capabilities. This contract is a clear example of how the Navy can incentivize industry to produce subsea asymmetric advantages at critical times.
Impact on global security
Anduril’s Dive family of AUVs, enhanced by investments in long-range autonomous underwater capabilities, has become the leading solution for diverse missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance and undersea warfare. The new plant will enable Anduril to accelerate the production and delivery of these vehicles.
This announcement comes as Anduril continues to advance critical maritime missions worldwide. Earlier this year, they unveiled the prototype of the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle in collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy.
Importantly, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee welcomed the addition of Anduril to the list of defense contractors with operations in the state, noting the positive impact on the local economy. Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner also praised the arrival of Anduril, highlighting the creation of high-paying jobs and the boost to innovation in ocean technology.
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Source and photo: anduril
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