NAVAL

Anduril introduces 'Copperhead' for autonomous undersea missions

Anduril Industries has revealed the Copperhead series, a new line of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) designed to enhance autonomous capabilities in the maritime domain. The Copperhead family includes two models—Copperhead-100 and Copperhead-500—offering varied sizes, payload capacities, and operational ranges tailored for both commercial and defense missions.

A significant feature of the Copperhead series is Copperhead-M, a munition variant designed to equip autonomous systems with torpedo-like capabilities. Unlike traditional torpedoes, which remain tied to legacy platforms such as nuclear submarines and warships, Copperhead-M offers a more flexible and cost-effective solution for modern naval forces. Its production is scalable, allowing for mass deployment, making it a critical asset in future naval operations.

The Copperhead system addresses a growing need for autonomous, rapid-response underwater vehicles that can operate independently from traditional platforms. This new system fits within Anduril’s broader strategy of integrating autonomous vehicles across air, sea, and subsea domains, providing a cohesive, multi-layered defense capability. The Copperhead family is designed to support missions such as search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring, with speeds exceeding 30 knots and versatile payload options, including sensors, sonar systems, and chemical detection tools.

In defense applications, Copperhead’s integration with vehicles like Anduril’s Dive-XL expands the operational range of autonomous fleets. With its ability to carry multiple Copperhead munitions, Dive-XL can deliver focused underwater firepower on demand, enabling commanders to engage threats with precision while minimizing risk to personnel and assets.

Through Copperhead, Anduril Industries aims to provide operators with comprehensive, scalable maritime capabilities, allowing for real-time situational awareness, precise engagement, and enhanced control of the battlespace. As autonomous maritime systems continue to evolve, Copperhead promises to play a key role in shaping the future of naval operations.