Australian firm C2 Robotics has delivered a large uncrewed submarine, the Speartooth Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (LUUV), to the United States. The development highlights the growing importance of unmanned warfare systems.

It also marks a notable step in bilateral defense cooperation on autonomous maritime systems. Rather than a traditional dignitary-led champagne smash, C2 Robotics used a robotic arm to smash a symbolic bottle during a formal commissioning ceremony for the Speartooth LUUV.

C2 Robotics’ uncrewed sub

The robotic bottle smash served as a not-so-subtle nod to the uncrewed vehicle’s core design. As the firm noted in a press statement, the Speartooth LUUV was designed to operate autonomously while conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. Though it can operate without a crew, it will require sustained human oversight for key decisions. 

The delivery of the new vessel to the U.S. confirms the nation as the first publicly identified export customer, following an unannounced international sale in late 2025.

“This is a proud and important step for our company,” said Troy Duggan, CEO of C2 Robotics. “We don’t typically conduct christening ceremonies for all of our boats, but this moment reflects the maturity of the Speartooth program and the strength of our partnership with the United States.”

Duggan added that the Speartooth LUUV was built on the principle of “Small, Smart, Many”. The vessel differs from traditional large, high-cost submarines with its scalable, compact design. Its 8-meter (26 feet) composite hull includes modular payload bays for sensors, munitions, and other equipment.

According to Defence Post, the submarine’s propulsion system combines a hybrid lithium-ion and diesel engine with an electric propeller. This enables operations to a depth of 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) and a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).

European Speartooth LUUV sales to be announced soon

Duggan also highlighted the fact that the Speartooth LUUV program is evolving rapidly, with expanding payload options and mission roles. The company developed the submarine in close collaboration with the Australian Department of Defence.

Another partner, Thales Australia, integrated its sovereign sonar technology, produced at its Sydney facility, to improve the vessel’s autonomous navigation reliability. The Speartooth LUUV participated in the Royal Australian Navy’s Exercise Autonomous Warrior 23, where it demonstrated logistics support and precision effects delivery.

The delivery of the Speartooth LUUV aligns with broader US military interest in rapid prototyping and field testing of autonomous systems. As for C2 Robotics, the company noted in its statement that an official announcement will be made soon regarding additional sales to its European partner, Eurobotics GmbH.

The Speartooth represents growing momentum in undersea autonomy. Its modular design and lower unit cost aim to provide commanders with greater flexibility and presence where traditional vessels face high risk. As programs like this mature, they could reshape maritime operations by enabling distributed, attritable capabilities alongside larger platforms.