Royal Navy Awards Teledyne AUV Services Contract
Tuesday, 31st March 2026
The UK Royal Navy has awarded Teledyne Marine a major contract to deliver advanced AUV services, autonomous underwater vehicle systems, and underwater drones, thereby strengthening its oceanographic data-gathering and maritime defence capabilities.
The agreement, awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Data Gathering (FMDG) programme – Persistent Oceanographic Data Collection, a key initiative aimed at enhancing environmental intelligence and operational readiness.
Under the contract, Teledyne will supply a range of autonomous ocean observing systems, including Sentinel and Slocum gliders, APEX floats, and associated AUV services. These technologies will expand the Royal Navy’s use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and underwater drones to collect high-quality oceanographic data for operational planning, maritime safety, and defence activities, directly supporting Atlantic Bastion.
Teledyne’s systems are designed for long-endurance deployment in complex, remote environments, delivering reliable, actionable environmental data. The programme builds on the Royal Navy’s ongoing use of Teledyne Slocum gliders since 2015 and highlights the growing importance of AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) and underwater drones in modern NATO naval operations.
A Royal Navy direct award justification noted that Teledyne remains the only supplier capable of ensuring seamless interoperability, security compliance, and mission readiness within the existing fleet.
George Bobb, President and CEO of Teledyne, said:
“This award reflects the Royal Navy’s continued confidence in Teledyne’s autonomous underwater vehicle technology, underwater drones, and AUV services, as well as our strong partnership in delivering mission-ready solutions. We are proud to support the Future Maritime Data Gathering programme and provide critical capabilities that enable high-quality ocean data for defence and maritime operations.”
Commander Butcher, Royal Navy Capability Sponsor, added:
“This investment in autonomous ocean sensing strengthens the Royal Navy’s ability to understand and operate in an increasingly contested North Atlantic. Persistent data from systems such as these enhances our understanding of the underwater battlespace, enabling Tactical Exploitation of the Environment and delivering the operational advantage commanders require.”
Since 2015, Teledyne has supported the Royal Navy with a range of autonomous underwater vehicle systems, including Slocum gliders, APEX floats, and Gavia AUV platforms—often referred to as underwater drones—all engineered to perform reliably in demanding operational conditions. Today, Teledyne’s AUV services and unmanned technologies are widely used by naval, commercial, and scientific organisations worldwide.
Proven AUV Capability
Teledyne Marine is a global leader in AUV, autonomous underwater vehicle, and underwater drone technology. The company has delivered more than 12,000 APEX floats and over 1,290 Slocum gliders, with more than 600 systems currently in service with NATO naval users. Its Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicle platforms—commonly described as advanced underwater drones—are deployed by 18 navies worldwide, reinforcing Teledyne’s position at the forefront of AUV services and innovation.
Strong UK Presence
Teledyne employs approximately 2,700 people across 18 sites in the UK, supporting national defence priorities through advanced AUV systems, underwater drones, local expertise, and long-term partnerships.
