The Commonwealth has announced it will buy the Saab
AUV62-AT intermediate anti-submarine warfare training target in a deal valued
at $11 million.

The AUV62-AT unmanned submersible vehicle which resembles a
torpedo is designed to replicate submarines for training, and can be used to
train with other submarines, surface ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and
helicopters.

“This advanced technology training target will simulate
submarines and torpedos, providing highly realistic live training scenarios for
submariners, aviators and surface vessel combat teams,” Defence Minister Senator
Linda Reynolds said in an August 6 statement. “As well as being a
cost-effective capability, it provides exciting delivery opportunities to grow
Defence’s warfighting skills now, and as anti-submarine warfighting technology
develops.

“In the 2020 Force Structure Plan announced by the Prime
Minister and I on July 1, we have set out plans to enhance our regional anti-submarine
warfare capabilities, including the provision of training sub systems,” she
added. “This capability will improve the ADF’s Anti-Submarine Warfare
proficiencies for more complex operations and environments.”

The AUV62-AT system comprises the submersible vehicle, a signal
generation and analysis system, a mission planning system, a mission evaluation
system, and a launch and recovery system (LARS). The 620kg unmanned submersible
vehicle is able to be launched and recovered from a ship, a submarine, or from
land.

The vehicle has an extendable tail with emitters which can give it the signature of a larger submarine. It has a maximum speed of about 12 knots and an endurance of three hours, but this can be extended to up to 24 hours at lower speeds.