Tasmanian firm Sentinel Boats is proving the State’s cutting edge engineering prowess after partnering with global defence technology leader L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) to showcase autonomous systems capabilities on Sydney Harbour during Indo Pacific 2023.
Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries, Madeleine Ogilvie said the collaboration was testimony to Sentinel Boat’s reputation for designing and building superior quality, next generation watercraft.
“Tasmania has a wonderful tradition of building innovative and quality boats that spans 200 years,” said Minister Ogilvie.
“Sentinel Boats is continuing and building on this tradition, and their vessels represents the latest technology in the maritime defence sector.”
The demonstration between Sentinel Boats and L3Harris saw L3Harris’ world-leading autonomous systems fitted to the Sentinel 1100 sea boat and shows the versatility of the Sentinel family of boats to support both autonomous and crewed missions.
L3Harris’ autonomous systems capabilities are supporting missions for the US Navy, Royal Navy and other partner navies.
The joint-demonstration at the Indo Pacific 2023 comes following the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Sentinel Boats and L3Harris.
“The strategic partnership signals a commitment to explore mutual opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region and its great to see Sentinel Boats, a proudly Tasmanian family business, flexing on the world stage,” Minister Ogilvie said.
Minister Ogilvie said Tasmanian firms were increasingly being recognised by Defence and defence primes for producing watercraft, products and services that were more innovative, more durable and more reliable than the competition.
“I have seen firsthand at the Indo Pacific Exposition the strong level of interest Defence and defence primes have in Tasmania’s unique industry capability.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government will continue to work with industry to promote its capability and connect our firms with market opportunities nationally and globally while building a strong economy that delivers jobs for Tasmanians.”
“Sentinel Boats represents the best of what Tasmania has to offer and our State is only just beginning to scratch the surface of the potential our advanced manufacturing and defence industries have,” Minister Ogilvie said.
“Companies like Sentinel Boats is demonstrating the sheer talent that we have in this State and the Tasmanian Government is very pleased to have helped support the construction of the ‘Sentinel 1100”.
