Herne: How UK–Canada Collaboration is Redefining Autonomous Submarine Warfare

When BAE Systems and Canadian robotics firm Cellula Robotics joined forces less than two years ago, the goal was ambitious: create a fully autonomous military submarine capable of redefining undersea operations. Today, that vision is rapidly approaching reality.

The partners recently signed a 10-year exclusive agreement to continue development of Herne, a cutting-edge autonomous submarine purpose-built for military use. Following a series of successful trials in late 2024, the companies now expect to deliver a market-ready craft by 2026.

“The trials last year were a huge success and I’m delighted that we’re building on that momentum with this new collaboration agreement to maintain the phenomenal pace at which we’re developing Herne,” expressed Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime & Land Defence Solutions business. “It’s a game changer in the underwater battlespace and will enable us to offer our customers a cost-effective autonomous capability providing them with more endurance, efficiency and scale, whilst keeping their people out of harm’s way.”

Herne can operate longer, deeper, and at a fraction of the cost of traditional submarines.

From Whiteboard to Water in Record Time

Innovation in defence technology often takes decades, but Herne’s story has been one of remarkable speed. In just 11 months, BAE Systems and Cellula moved from “whiteboard to water,” putting their concept into the sea for live trials. Testing in both the UK and Canada demonstrated the submarine’s ability to execute pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Central to its performance is Nautomate, BAE Systems’ platform-agnostic autonomous control system. By integrating this technology, Herne successfully carried out a complex mission set without direct human input — a milestone that validated its readiness for further refinement.

“Herne, the result of this partnership, embodies the fusion of cutting-edge engineering from both companies to create a platform with unmatched endurance and operability, setting it apart from others in the field,” stated Neil Manning, Chief Executive Officer, Cellula Robotics Ltd. “At Cellula, we believe Herne, powered by our hydrogen-based energy solution, represents a cost-effective force multiplier. It helps to fill an essential gap, complementing navies’ operational needs while seamlessly integrating with other marine defense systems. Cellula is honored to be selected by BAE Systems, recognising their foresight and vision in forming this partnership.”

Designed for flexibility, Herne supports missions from anti-submarine warfare to protecting vital seabed infrastructure.

A Submarine Without Limits

Unlike traditional submarines, Herne doesn’t rely on life support systems or regular resupply. Freed from these constraints, it can operate longer, deeper, and at a fraction of the cost. Designed for flexibility, it can take on missions ranging from:

• Anti-submarine warfare
• Covert surveillance
• Protection of seabed infrastructure

Herne can work independently or in tandem with crewed platforms, providing a persistent undersea presence that traditional naval assets cannot match.

By 2026, navies worldwide could have access to a persistent undersea presence unlike anything before.

Shaping the Future of Undersea Defence

The trials held in 2024 were not just about proving the concept but also about shaping the submarine’s final design. Feedback from those exercises informed enhancements in endurance, stealth, and mission adaptability, ensuring the craft will meet the evolving demands of naval customers worldwide.

For both BAE Systems and Cellula Robotics, the extended partnership underscores their confidence that Herne will deliver on its promise — a transformative undersea capability that can shift the balance of naval power.

With customer delivery targeted for the end of 2026, Herne is on course to mark a new era in military autonomy.