Leidos Commences Australian Production of Sea Archer, Boosting Sovereign Maritime Capability

Leidos has taken a significant step towards strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability with the commencement of local production of its next-generation uncrewed surface vessel, Sea Archer. This move fast-tracks proven U.S. capability into Australia. With over five decades partnering with the U.S. Navy and 120,000 nautical miles at sea, Leidos is leveraging its global expertise to deliver capability closer to home.

Central to this effort is a strong commitment to working with local industry.

NSW based Oceans Rivers Lakes has been appointed to construct the first aluminium vessel, with work already underway.

Beyond shipbuilding, Australian industry will contribute across the supply chain - from payload integration and autonomy software to sustainment and maintenance.

According to Leidos Australia Chief Executive Paul Chase this will create a robust ecosystem to support rapid production and long-term sustainment.

“We’re aiming to deliver a rapid production capability, and because of its easy-to-build aluminium hull, can have Sea Archer built at multiple shipyards across Australia.

This will allow us to quickly deliver flexible, adaptable and affordable maritime solutions, using our fleet or customer vessels, to support mission needs.”

The partnerships developed for the Sea Archer project build upon Leidos’ history of collaboration with local industry, particularly its longstanding relationship with Acacia Systems.

Together, the companies recently secured a $45.9 million contract under the Australian Government’s LAND 156 program as the Systems Integration Partner, tasked with delivering Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) capability to the Australian Defence Force. Such partnerships underline the strength of Australian industry in shaping future defence solutions. Sea Archer itself brings formidable capabilities. Designed for speed, endurance and adaptability, the vessel can sprint at up to 40 knots with a range of 1,500 nautical miles.

Its 900kg payload bay capacity supports a broad range of missions, from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to logistics resupply, electromagnetic deception and strike operations.

Mr Chase said Sea Archer is particularly suited to Australia’s strategic environment.

“Given Australia’s vast northern approaches, platforms with coverage, endurance and agility are critical. The ability to monitor large areas, detect threats, and provide continuous uncrewed support enhances our nation’s security posture in today’s geostrategic environment,” he said.

Currently undergoing sea trials in the United States, Sea Archer is expected to be mission-ready by 2026. With Australian industry at the heart of its build and sustainment, the result is a strengthened sovereign capability and resilient supply chain delivering proven maritime solutions for the Indo Pacific.