US Marines receive Next-Gen Australian-Made Whiskey Bravo Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Crafts.

On April 11, 2024, The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG), an Australian manufacturer of tactical and specialized boats, announced having delivered the first two 11-meter Whiskey Bravo multi-mission reconnaissance (MMRC) boats to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) at the Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton, Southern California. These vessels were officially accepted by the Marine Corps War Fighting Lab (MCWL) and are extensively utilized by reconnaissance Marines to accommodate and test various mission-specific payloads.
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Whiskey Project Group "Whiskey Bravo" multi-mission reconnaissance vessel (Picture source: US DoD)

This delivery is part of the early industry initiatives under AUKUS Pillar II, focusing on collaboration and technology sharing between the United States and Australia. The Whiskey Bravo boats incorporate contributions from nearly 50 American and Australian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), incorporating advanced systems, sensors, modular mission sets, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. These systems have been tested in a wide range of mission-specific payloads and multi-scenario combat operations designed for USMC operational theaters.

Following a rigorous competitive evaluation, TWPG was awarded a contract valued at $20.5 million (approximately AUD 33.8 million) to supply various models of its 8-meter Whiskey Alpha and 11-meter Whiskey Bravo boats to the USMC. Darren Schuback, co-founder and CEO of TWPG, emphasized the company's mission to innovate in the tactical boat sector, leveraging its experience in special naval operations to produce highly secure, connected, and combat-ready platforms.

Schuback also highlighted the significance of the collaboration effort facilitated by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), allowing private sector companies to rapidly address capability gaps faced by fighters and commanders. This contract is a clear indication of Australia's continued commitment to expand and evolve its defense cooperation with the United States, particularly in maritime patrol, through shared resources and combined forces.

The Whiskey Bravo 11-meter Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft (MMRC) is equipped with advanced technical features tailored for versatile operational roles. Each vessel is powered by twin diesel engines, enhancing speed and maneuverability with a top speed exceeding 40 knots. This allows for rapid deployment and extraction in a variety of maritime conditions. The hull design is optimized for both high-speed planning and stable operations at lower speeds, suitable for complex littoral environments where the US Marine Corps often operates.

The craft includes next-generation communication and navigation systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing USMC technology infrastructures. This integration supports real-time data transfer and situational awareness, which is critical for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) tasks. Furthermore, the Whiskey Bravo is equipped with modular mission bays that can be customized with a range of payloads, from advanced sensor suites to weapon systems, providing flexibility to meet specific mission requirements. These modular bays allow for quick reconfiguration depending on operational needs, whether for reconnaissance, direct action, or logistical support.