The Rock Lobster being tested alongside US Navy capabilities was done so to demonstrate how allied underwater acoustic communications technologies can work together seamlessly beneath the surface.
That kind of interoperability is harder to achieve than it sounds. Relaying command-and-control information in the underwater domain is one of the most persistent challenges in modern naval operations, growing more complex as autonomous systems take on a larger role in maritime missions.
Developed by the L3Harris Maritime team in Australia in collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Rock Lobster has been tested and refined through exercises including Autonomous Warrior, the Maritime Innovation Challenge and the Maritime Big Play series.
At RimPac 2026, it operated alongside Australia's Lightfish uncrewed surface vessel from Seasat.
L3Harris’ relationship with Seasats was created through a strategic partnership with venture capital firm Shield Capital to accelerate emerging defence and commercial technologies into the hands of the warfighter.
"Interoperability doesn't happen by accident," L3Harris, Maritime, Space & Mission Systems, President, Nino DiCosmo, said.
"It takes years of collaboration, testing and refinement with our partners. RIMPAC 2026 is a reflection of that work and a strong signal of where AUKUS undersea capability is headed."
According to L3Harris, the results reinforce the goals of AUKUS Pillar II, which aims to rapidly develop and field advanced capabilities across partner nations to detect, deter and respond to maritime threats.