Teledyne Technologies and M Subs join forces to advance next-generation underwater imaging, sensing, and deep-sea exploration capabilities.
Teledyne Marine, a global leader in maritime unmanned underwater vehicles and advanced marine technologies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with M Subs, a UK-based innovator specializing in marine unmanned systems and associated autonomy. The agreement establishes a strategic collaboration designed to accelerate innovation, expand operational capabilities, and pursue joint opportunities within the United Kingdom and across international naval markets.
Strategic Collaboration to Strengthen Naval Capabilities
The partnership brings together two highly complementary organizations with deep expertise in maritime systems, defense technologies, and autonomous operations. Under the MOU, Teledyne Marine and M Subs will jointly explore and execute business opportunities focused primarily on programs for the Royal Navy, while also targeting other international naval and defense initiatives.
By aligning their respective strengths, the companies aim to develop integrated solutions that combine vehicle platforms, autonomy frameworks, sensor technologies, and communication systems into cohesive, mission-ready offerings. The collaboration is expected to enhance operational flexibility, improve mission effectiveness, and deliver high-technology-readiness solutions suitable for both defense and commercial maritime sectors.
Integration of Advanced Technologies
At the core of the partnership is a shared commitment to integrating advanced maritime technologies into unified, interoperable systems. The collaboration will focus on combining:
- Unmanned surface and underwater vehicle platforms
- Autonomy and control systems
- Multibeam sonar technologies
- Acoustic communications
- High-resolution imaging cameras
- Specialized marine lighting systems
- Subsea connectors and integration hardware
These components will be engineered to function seamlessly across complex maritime missions, including surveillance, mine countermeasures, seabed mapping, environmental monitoring, and defense operations. By pooling technical resources and engineering expertise, Teledyne Marine and M Subs intend to accelerate system-level innovation and reduce integration timelines for end users.
Successful Demonstrations at REPMUS 2025
The partnership is already delivering tangible results. One notable achievement has been the successful integration and demonstration of Teledyne SeaBat multibeam sonar systems on Zero USV platforms during REPMUS 2025. REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems) is a major international exercise focused on testing and evaluating advanced unmanned maritime technologies.
The SeaBat multibeam sonar integration showcased enhanced underwater mapping and detection capabilities from autonomous surface platforms. The successful trials demonstrated not only the technical compatibility of Teledyne’s sonar systems with M Subs’ Zero USV architecture, but also the operational effectiveness of the combined solution in realistic naval scenarios.
This milestone underscores the practical momentum already achieved under the partnership framework and signals further collaborative developments to come.
Expanding Deployment of Gliders and AUVs
Beyond sonar integration, additional joint initiatives are underway. Teledyne’s Slocum gliders and Osprey-class Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are being prepared for deployment from Zero USV systems. These integrations represent a significant step toward multi-domain unmanned operations, where surface vessels act as launch, recovery, and command platforms for underwater assets.
Demonstrations of these capabilities are scheduled in the United Kingdom and Iceland during the first and second quarters of 2026. These trials will validate the operational concept of deploying and managing underwater vehicles from unmanned surface platforms, a capability increasingly valued by modern naval forces seeking to extend reach while minimizing risk to personnel.
Supporting Royal Navy and International Programs
A central objective of the partnership is to support the evolving needs of the Royal Navy. The collaboration is positioned to advance projects such as Atlantic Bastion and Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Block 2, where unmanned and autonomous systems play a pivotal role in future naval doctrine.
By leveraging their significant UK footprint and technological depth, Teledyne Marine and M Subs aim to provide locally supported, operationally proven systems aligned with UK defense priorities. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening sovereign capabilities while maintaining global competitiveness.
In addition to UK programs, the two organizations will jointly pursue international opportunities. Their combined track record with NATO and allied navies positions them well to address emerging maritime security requirements across Europe, North America, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Joint Business Development and Shared Expertise
The MOU establishes a framework for ongoing joint business development. Both companies will identify, assess, and pursue mutually beneficial projects worldwide. By presenting integrated solutions rather than standalone components, they intend to enhance value propositions for customers seeking turnkey unmanned maritime systems.
The collaboration also emphasizes knowledge sharing and cross-disciplinary integration. Teledyne Marine contributes decades of experience in underwater vehicles, imaging, sonar systems, and subsea instrumentation. M Subs brings agile innovation in unmanned platforms, autonomy software, and system-level integration tailored to modern naval concepts.
Together, they aim to deliver solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also operationally practical and scalable.
Leadership Perspectives
Brian Maguire, Chief Operating Officer of Teledyne Marine and General Manager for Vehicles, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, emphasizing that combining expertise will enable both companies to address evolving maritime requirements in the UK and international markets.
Brett Phaneuf, Director of M Subs, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting the effective integration of Teledyne’s diverse marine sensors and systems onto M Subs platforms. He underscored the importance of agility and forward-leaning collaboration between flagship companies and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly when serving national defense priorities.
Their remarks reflect a shared vision centered on innovation, adaptability, and mission-focused delivery.
Proven Track Record in Unmanned Systems
Teledyne Marine’s leadership in unmanned underwater systems is supported by an extensive global track record. The company operates two major production facilities in North Falmouth, Massachusetts, and Kopavogur, Iceland, along with a worldwide network of service centers.
As of January 2026, Teledyne has delivered over 12,000 APEX floats and approximately 1,275 Slocum gliders, including more than 600 units supplied to NATO naval users. Additionally, Gavia AUV systems have been procured by 18 navies worldwide. Teledyne’s unmanned systems are currently operational with numerous NATO and AUKUS naval forces, including the Royal Navy.
This extensive deployment history demonstrates the reliability, scalability, and operational maturity of Teledyne’s technologies.
Strong UK Presence
Teledyne maintains a substantial presence in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 2,700 personnel across 18 primary sites. This local footprint enables close collaboration with defense stakeholders, streamlined support services, and alignment with national industrial strategies.
The partnership with M Subs further reinforces this UK-centered approach by combining established industrial capability with innovative system design and rapid integration expertise.
Driving Innovation for Defense and Commercial Markets
Beyond defense applications, the collaboration holds significant promise for commercial maritime sectors. Autonomous systems equipped with advanced sonar, imaging, and communication technologies are increasingly used in offshore energy, subsea infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.
By developing interoperable and scalable solutions, Teledyne Marine and M Subs aim to deliver technologies capable of serving both military and civilian maritime missions.
