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The NSW-based defence company has unveiled its new combatant craft to senior US military officials, in a bid to support a broader push to bolster Indo-Pacific interop ability.
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The Whiskey Project has unveiled the WHISKEY Multi Mission Reconnaissance Craft (WHISKEY MMRC) to key US government and military defence stakeholders in Washington DC.
The watercraft, developed following a two-year collaboration with United States Marine Corps (USMC) veterans, has been designed to meet the US’ strategic maritime modernisation objectives, particularly in light of the pivot to the Indo-Pacific.
According to the firm, the offering builds on the recently announced AUKUS agreement between the US and the UK.
“This is more than just an export opportunity of Australian designed and owned Defence assets into the US,” The Whiskey Project chief operating officer Ryan Carmichael said.
“It’s about Australia driving innovation to deliver the most capable combatant craft the world has ever seen, for use in a theatre on our doorstep, by our closest ally.”
The USMC Commandant’s Planning Guidance identified the simultaneous development of amphibious capability as a potential opportunity to strengthen the US-Australia partnership, helping to bolster interoperability between the allied forces.
“The WHISKEY MMRC provides the opportunity to achieve combatant craft with a common hull, a common technology, a common supply and sustainment chain between two ‘great friends of freedom’,” Carmichael added.
“In anticipation of USMC watercraft operating in-region amongst Australia’s riverine and littoral capabilities, the provision of fit-for-purpose watercraft that enable joint capability and interoperability also delivers a meaningful force-multiplier effect.”
WHISKEY MMRC integrates command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) sensors and weapons.
The watercraft can also provide increased safety and protection for warfighters, a key component flagged by veterans of Operation Phantom Fury on the Euphrates River in Iraq.
The vessel is built to provide manoeuvre from the sea to support reconnaissance and counter reconnaissance, surveillance, collections, target acquisition, interdiction and battlespace shaping operations.
WHISKEY MMRC features the distinctive Whiskey Sea Blade hull in a 9.5-metre aluminium variation and fit-for-purpose multi-mission modularity.
WHISKEY MMRC also leverages the WHISKEY HORIZON STRIKE technology suite — a low signature Sense First, See First, Strike First solution combining advanced maritime systems, sensors, and effectors with US in-service tactical networks and situational awareness tools.
WHISKEY HORIZON, which was developed by USMC technology integrator Aries Defense in partnership with The Whiskey Project, is integrated into the WHISKEY MMRC design, supporting enhanced operational awareness, command and control, and co-ordination of multi-domain effects to provide commanders with decision dominance.
“The doctrine drove the design,” Darren Schuback, The Whiskey Project managing director, said at the launch of the Wharf Marina in Washington.
“[The] Whiskey Multi Mission Recon Craft will transform how combatant craft and crew operate, providing an unparalleled level of joint capability, operational agility, affordability and availability.”
To address the USMC’s requirements, the watercraft integrates Whiskey slam-reduction hull technology, tipped to reduce shock loading on personnel and sensitive equipment by up to 40 per cent.
“WHISKEY MMRC has been developed specifically with the US Defense warfighter in mind, but its relevance and applicability to the Australian Defence Force and other Five Eyes nations is substantial, particularly in light of the formation of the AUKUS alliance,” Carmichael said.
“The WHISKEY MMRC marks an historical step-change in combatant craft capability, enabling significant human performance advantage, operational advantage and a competitive advantage for those who risk their lives in the strategic maritime environment.”
WHISKEY MMRC is set to be on display at the Team Defence Australia stand at AUSA in Washington, DC, from 11-13 October.
[Related: Whiskey Project to deliver new boat to Army]
