Industry Briefing

A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.

Fugro Secures Three-Year Deepwater ROV Contract for Offshore Energy in India

Fugro Secures Three-Year Deepwater ROV Contract for Offshore Energy in India

Fugro Survey India Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded a three-year contract by Vantage International Management Company to provide ROV-based deepwater drill support services for ONGC’s offshore drilling operations in India. This contract involves supporting drilling activities at depths of up to 3,000 meters using the Platinum Explorer drill ship. The significance of this contract lies in its contribution to ONGC’s deepwater exploration program, which aims to enhance India’s energy security and boost domestic oil and gas production. Fugro will deliver comprehensive subsea ROV support, including installation, intervention, and monitoring services, ensuring safe and efficient drilling operations throughout the project. Looking ahead, the deployment of Fugro’s FCV3000 ROV system is expected to provide reliable support in challenging deepwater environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

fugro contract award deepwater rov contract offshore energy
Army Grants $465M Contract to AeroVironment for First High-Energy Laser Production

Army Grants $465M Contract to AeroVironment for First High-Energy Laser Production

The Army has awarded AeroVironment (AV) a $464.8 million contract for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, marking the first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon. This program aims to enhance the Army's capabilities to counter unmanned systems effectively, as stated by Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the acting chief of staff. The contract will enable the delivery of AV's LOCUST X3 laser counter-drone systems, which are designed to operate in various combat environments. This contract is significant as it introduces production-directed energy systems for the first time in U.S. history, according to AV's vice president of directed-energy systems, John Garrity. The E-HEL system, powered by electric energy, is capable of defeating drones at a lower cost compared to traditional kinetic weapons. AV is expected to deliver initial capabilities within the year and scale production significantly in the coming months. Looking ahead, the Army plans to deploy dozens of LOCUST X3 systems across combatant commands globally. The system is designed to counter drone threats, including those from Group 3 drones weighing up to 1,320 pounds. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Land Warfare Aerovironment Army Counter UAS cUAS directed energy Drones
Anduril Warns Production of FQ-44 Fury Drones Delayed Without FY27 Budget Approval

Anduril Warns Production of FQ-44 Fury Drones Delayed Without FY27 Budget Approval

Anduril officials have stated that production of the FQ-44 Fury drones cannot begin until the fiscal year 2027 budget is approved by Congress. The Air Force awarded production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics in June for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, but funding is crucial for Anduril to start work. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the recent passing of a continuing resolution that maintains government spending at FY26 levels, restricting new program work. Erin Simpson, Anduril’s vice president for strategy execution, emphasized that while the company has invested in a new production facility and is preparing for production, they cannot proceed without the necessary procurement dollars. Looking ahead, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced expectations for 500 CCA drones by 2032, although details on the initial production numbers remain undisclosed. Anduril is currently developing Fury prototypes at its Arsenal-1 facility, which has the capacity to produce 150 aircraft annually, but current orders do not meet that threshold. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Air Warfare Congress 2027 defense appropriations AFA 2026 Air Force Anduril
Exail Secures Contract to Provide Light MCM Systems for European Navy Operations

Exail Secures Contract to Provide Light MCM Systems for European Navy Operations

Exail has been awarded a contract to supply three light Mine Countermeasures (MCM) systems to a European navy. These systems are designed for rapid deployment from Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and integrate Exail's UMIS technology, enabling efficient identification and neutralization of underwater mines. The significance of this contract lies in its provision of a modular and adaptable solution tailored to the operational needs of modern naval forces. With a compact design, the systems can operate in very shallow waters and infrastructure-limited environments, allowing for quick deployment by mine clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. Looking ahead, the RHIB-based systems can accommodate various payloads, including Exail's A9-M autonomous underwater vehicles and R7 remotely operated vehicles, enhancing their operational flexibility. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

exail european navy mcm system
Oceaneering Secures Petrobras Contract for ROV Services Offshore Brazil

Oceaneering Secures Petrobras Contract for ROV Services Offshore Brazil

Oceaneering International, Inc. (“Oceaneering”) announced that its Brazilian subsidiary, Marine Production Systems do Brasil LTDA (“MPS”), won a contract from Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) to deliver ROV services offshore Brazil. The award follows a competitive tender process. The contract term is four years and operations are expected to begin in 2027.

oceaneering petrobras contract rov services offshore
AeroVironment Awarded $4.8 million Contract for ROVs to support U.S. Coast Guard Modernization Plan

AeroVironment Awarded $4.8 million Contract for ROVs to support U.S. Coast Guard Modernization Plan

AeroVironment, Inc. has secured a $4.8 million contract from the United States Coast Guard to supply Mission Specialist Defender remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). This agreement, announced today, is part of the Coast Guard's Force Design 2028 modernization initiative aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities. The contract will be fulfilled through AeroVironment's subsidiary, VideoRay, which specializes in underwater robotic systems. The delivery of these advanced ROVs is expected to support the Coast Guard's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and improve mission effectiveness.

aerovironment contract award rovs u.s. coast guard modernization plan
C-Innovation Awarded New Multi-year ROV Contract

C-Innovation Awarded New Multi-year ROV Contract

C-Innovation, a subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore, has secured a contract with Shell to provide remotely operated vehicle (ROV) services in the Gulf of America. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and support Shell's ongoing projects in the region. The agreement reflects C-Innovation's commitment to delivering advanced technology and expertise in underwater services, positioning the company as a key player in the energy sector. The contract was finalized recently, marking a significant step in the collaboration between the two companies in the Gulf's dynamic energy landscape.

c-innovation contract award multi-year rov contract
Green Marine UK Expands Business with Acquisition of Roving Eye’s Contracts, Equipment & Vessel

Green Marine UK Expands Business with Acquisition of Roving Eye’s Contracts, Equipment & Vessel

Green Marine (UK) Ltd, a prominent player in integrated marine services for the renewable energy and offshore industries, has successfully acquired a range of assets from Orkney-based Roving Eye Enterprises Ltd. This acquisition, announced recently, includes Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), survey equipment, a vessel, personnel, and existing contract agreements. The move aims to enhance Green Marine's capabilities and offerings in the growing renewable energy sector, reflecting the company's commitment to expanding its operational reach and service portfolio. The transaction underscores the strategic importance of acquiring specialized resources to meet increasing demand in marine services.

green marine uk acquisition roving eye
Sealien Awarded International Contract to Deliver Phoenix  600 ROV Trencher System

Sealien Awarded International Contract to Deliver Phoenix  600 ROV Trencher System

Sealien has announced a significant contract to design, manufacture, and deliver its advanced Phoenix 600 ROV Trencher system to an international client. This agreement encompasses the ROV Trencher, a Launch and Recovery System (LARS), and a Control Cabin, all of which are engineered for subsea operations. The Phoenix 600 is rated for depths of up to 3,000 meters, making it particularly suitable for subsea cable installation, burial, and various seabed intervention tasks. This development highlights Sealien's commitment to enhancing underwater technology and meeting the growing demands of the subsea industry.

sealien contract award phoenix  600 rov trencher system
Oceaneering Awarded Contract by Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited for ROV Services and Integrated Solutions

Oceaneering Awarded Contract by Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited for ROV Services and Integrated Solutions

Oceaneering International, Inc. has secured a significant contract with Esso Exploration Angola, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, to provide support services for offshore operations in Angola's Block 15. The agreement, which began on July 1, 2025, is projected to yield between $80 million and $90 million in revenue over the next three years. This partnership underscores Oceaneering's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency in the region's oil and gas sector.

oceaneering contract award esso exploration angola block 15 rov services
Omega Subsea Awards Contract to Kystdesign for 12 New ROV Systems

Omega Subsea Awards Contract to Kystdesign for 12 New ROV Systems

Omega Subsea has secured a significant contract with Norwegian ROV manufacturer Kystdesign for the production of 12 new remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), with deliveries set to commence in 2026. This agreement also includes an option for an additional 10 ROV systems, expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. Among the initial 12 ROVs, eight are earmarked to support various vessel and subsea operations for Solstad, while the remaining four will be allocated to undisclosed clients. This partnership highlights Omega Subsea's commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities in the subsea sector.

omega subsea contract kystdesign rov systems
Deep C and DOF Set to Begin 1,000 Meter Deepwater ROV Trenching in Asia After Successful Trial

Deep C and DOF Set to Begin 1,000 Meter Deepwater ROV Trenching in Asia After Successful Trial

Deep C and DOF are set to launch a significant deepwater trenching operation in Asia, following the successful completion of a pilot project in 2024. The main operation is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025. During the pilot phase, which involved testing Deep C’s ROV Trenching Skid in depths exceeding 1,000 meters, the technology demonstrated its capability to function effectively in difficult seabed conditions. The insights gained from this trial have equipped the companies with the necessary experience to proceed with the final trenching scope, aiming for precise and efficient execution of the project.

deep c dof deepwater rov trenching
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