On Sept. 20, L3 Technologies acquired ASV Global, a USV and autonomous vessel control systems company.

This acquisition “strategically enhances” L3’s full spectrum of unmanned maritime capabilities, which includes integrated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technologies, future surface combatant unmanned off-board sensors, and integrated USV and UUV operations.

​The acquisition will result in a new company known as L3 ASV.

“Autonomous capabilities for surface ships and undersea vessels are top priorities for our naval and commercial maritime customers, and we are increasing our investments to lead in this strategic growth area and strengthen L3’s position as a leading supplier of maritime solutions,” says Christopher E. Kubasik, L3’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.

“The addition of L3 ASV enables us to deliver both unmanned surface and undersea vehicle technologies to an expanded international customer base and take a prime contractor position on major unmanned systems.”

L3 ASV, which is based in Louisiana and the United Kingdom, delivers surface vessels in a variety of sizes, currently from 10 to 42 feet, with “proprietary software and control systems and proven unmanned system autonomy architectures.”

The company says that these “time-tested capabilities” have been demonstrated on a variety of vessel types and sizes with over 1,500 operating days of service. Additionally, L3 ASV’s autonomy systems are consistent with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs), which was published by the International Maritime Organization.

“L3 continues to collaborate on and deliver best-in-class maritime sensor, autonomy, USV/UUV, and command and control technologies,” says Sean J. Stackley, L3’s Senior Vice President and President of its Communications & Networked Systems business segment.

“Aligning L3 ASV’s proprietary surface vessel control technology and proven unmanned system autonomy architecture with our already strong UUV capabilities allows us to stay ahead of the curve in helping our customers meet their mission objectives.”