01Naval Today2026-10-30
Australia approves SEASAT Lightfish for naval operations (opens in a new tab)
Australia approved the SEASAT Lightfish autonomous surface vessel for naval operations, issuing its first Naval Permit to Operate under the Australian Naval Seaworthiness Regulation (ANSR) 307. The permit allows the vessel to participate in Exercise RIMPAC 2026 under specific safety conditions and risk controls. The approval followed a collaborative assessment by the Australian Naval Seaworthiness Authority and other defense stakeholders. It establishes a regulatory framework for integrating new maritime technologies into defense operations while ensuring safety oversight.