DSA 2024: BAE Systems showcases autonomous capabilities

The T-650 – pictured above from the DSA 2024 exhibition – is an electrically powered heavy-lift UAS capable of lifting 300 kg out to a range of 30 km (or a radius of 15 km) at 140 km/h. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)

BAE Systems showcased its Herne extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV) and T-650 all-electric heavy-lift unmanned aircraft system (UAS) at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 9 May.

This is the first time Herne and T-650 systems are being showcased in Asia.

Mike Blake, business development manager for autonomy and boats at BAE Systems, told Janes at the show that the Herne XLAUV will be demonstrated for the first time at a facility on the south coast of England in October 2024.

According to BAE Systems specifications, Herne features a modular and adaptable design that enables the platform to be configured for a wide range of operations, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), seabed warfare, and protection of critical national infrastructure.

The T-650 has a payload capacity of 300 kg out to a range of 30 km at 140 km/h.

Paul Roberts, business development manager at BAE Systems, told Janes that the T-650 has various military as well as commercial applications. Some applications include automated logistics and resupply, casualty evacuation, ASW, maritime search and rescue, surveillance and monitoring, maritime mine countermeasures, and close air support.

The company also showcased its Archerfish Mine Neutralisation System (AMNS) at the show. It is an expendable mine neutraliser or a single-shot mine disposal system.

In June 2023 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) ordered the Archerfish for its Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (MCH).