OFFICIAL
DAN REPACHOLI MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR MEN’S HEALTH
12 March 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
$176 MILLION DEFENCE INVESTMENT SUPPORTING HUNTER MANUFACTURING
Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP, has welcomed a $176 million investment from the Albanese Government to deliver a new fleet of Australian-made uncrewed surface vessels.
The investment will support the delivery of 40 additional Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for the Royal Australian Navy by Australian technology company Ocius, which operates a production facility in Morisset.
The new vessels will expand the Navy’s operational Bluebottle fleet to 55, significantly boosting Australia’s long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across its maritime approaches.
The Bluebottle system was developed in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy and initially funded through the Defence Innovation Hub. The vessels are powered by renewable energy sources including solar, wind and wave energy, allowing them to remain at sea for extended periods while conducting persistent surface and sub-surface surveillance.
The investment highlights the Hunter region’s growing role in Australia’s sovereign defence capability and advanced manufacturing sector, with production supporting local jobs and businesses across the Hunter and broader Australian supply chain.
Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP, Federal Member for Hunter
“This is fantastic news for the Hunter and for our local manufacturing sector.
“We have a world-class Australian company producing cutting-edge defence technology right here in Morisset, and this investment ensures that capability continues to grow.
“The Hunter has always played an important role in supporting Australia’s defence industry, and projects like this show our region will continue to be central to Australia’s sovereign capability.
“This investment backs local workers, supports Hunter businesses and strengthens Australia’s ability to monitor and protect our maritime approaches.”
ENDS
