Cellula Robotics Ltd and Metron, Inc. have entered into a 10-year agreement to deliver a combined Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) solution tailored for the United States defense market.
The long-term framework merges Cellula’s commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) long-endurance AUV platforms with Metron’s adaptive mission autonomy and maritime domain expertise. The initiative addresses a growing demand within the US defense sector for modular, reliable, and high-endurance systems that can transition rapidly from program requirements to operational deployment.
The two companies have previously collaborated on maritime technology initiatives, including work supporting the Defense Innovation Unit’s CAMP project. This formalized partnership aims to provide faster fielding, strong operational performance, and assured long-term support for defense customers. By utilizing a modular, open-architecture approach, the combined system supports the ongoing integration of third-party sensors, payloads, and mission systems to maintain adaptability as technologies and defense requirements evolve.
Through this agreement, Cellula will leverage its expanding US team alongside Metron’s four decades of experience and established relationships within the American defense ecosystem to better align with Navy requirements and operator needs. This collaboration also complements Cellula’s broader US and global network of marine-focused technology solution providers.
Neil Manning, CEO of Cellula Robotics, commented, “We’ve worked closely with Metron over the last three years, and this agreement builds on that successful relationship. It gives customers greater confidence in supply, long-term support, and operational performance by bringing together complementary strengths in a solution designed to be fielded faster and aligned closely with mission needs.”
Van Gurley, President and CEO of Metron, Inc., added, “Cellula brings a proven, flexible COTS platform approach to the partnership. That is important for defense customers looking for capability that can be adapted, integrated, and fielded quickly with confidence. Together, we are combining our autonomy, mission planning, and novel payload options with Cellula’s long-endurance AUV platforms in a way that delivers the next- generation autonomous undersea system the US Navy has been pursuing for over a decade.”
