Blue Armada Robotics selected for NATO DIANA programme
Blue Armada Robotics, a Polish dual-use maritime technology company, has been selected to join NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). This is a major step forward in its mission to deliver fully autonomous surface vessels. By integrating advanced robotics with scalable monitoring solutions, the company is helping to safeguard the seabed infrastructure that underpins both economic and national security.
Seabed cables and pipelines carry the energy and data that fuel industries and ensure the continuity of modern life. Classified as critical maritime infrastructure, these assets require continuous monitoring to stay resilient in an increasingly uncertain world.
Advanced sensors
Blue Armada Robotics offers turnkey systems built on uncrewed and autonomous surface vessel (USV/ASV) platforms. Equipped with sophisticated sensors and communication tools, these vessels enable asset owners to detect risks early, streamline operations and reduce costs – while extending coverage across vast maritime environments.
“Our team has been engaged in marine robotics for over 15 years. We delivered our first USV for environmental research to an external customer more than 15 years ago. That experience allows us to build quickly on mature technologies and gives us a unique competitive edge,” said Michał Latacz, co-founder and CEO of Blue Armada Robotics.
Blue Armada’s selection for the DIANA programme reflects the company’s proven technical capabilities and its strategic alignment with NATO’s priorities in dual-use innovation. DIANA supports startups and scale-ups that are developing technologies with both civilian and defence applications – providing access to non-dilutive funding, NATO’s transatlantic test centres and expert mentorship.
Selection process
Out of more than 2,600 applicants from all 32 NATO member states, only 72 companies were chosen. Blue Armada Robotics was selected within the Critical Infrastructure and Logistics Challenge and stands out as the only Polish company focused specifically on enhancing the security and resilience of marine infrastructure. The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation led by experts from industry, academia and government.
“We are thrilled to continue in this hands-on programme designed specifically for early-stage dual-use ventures. Together, we are shaping a future where disruptive technologies are dual-use by design – strengthening NATO’s innovation ecosystem and enhancing the resilience of Europe’s current and future marine infrastructure,” said Latacz.
As maritime infrastructure faces growing strategic attention, Blue Armada Robotics is positioning itself at the forefront of autonomous technology – pushing the boundaries of what is possible above and below the waterline.
Beyond line-of-sight
Powered by hybrid-electric powertrains, each vessel is capable of operating continuously for up to two weeks at sea without refuelling. Through its collaboration with DIANA, Blue Armada Robotics is advancing beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) operational capabilities – enabling vessels to make autonomous decisions and carry out entire missions without human intervention or reliance on a remote operations centre.
As part of its involvement in the DIANA programme, Blue Armada Robotics also works closely with Palladion Defence, hosted at the Bundeswehr University in Munich, Germany. This strategic partnership provides access to seasoned defence procurement specialists, operational end-users and NATO-aligned maritime experts, accelerating the development of dual-use technologies and supporting their integration into allied operational frameworks.
