Blue Ops to Launch Maritime Defense Hub at FAU Harbor Branch
Florida Atlantic University and Blue Ops, a maritime division of Red Cat Holdings, have launched a strategic partnership to establish an uncrewed systems hub at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world national defense applications.
The collaboration leverages the 144-acre secure deep-water port at Harbor Branch, providing the necessary infrastructure for testing autonomous surface vessels and advanced maritime robotics. By integrating Blue Ops’ mission systems with the university’s existing expertise in oceanography and autonomous technology, the facility will serve as a site for engineering, equipment maintenance, and personnel training.
This initiative aligns with Florida Atlantic’s 2026-31 strategic plan, which prioritizes national defense and autonomous systems as core areas of research. Michael Twardowski, who leads the Center for Marine Applied Technology and Engineering, will utilize the site to continue his work on underwater imaging and optical sensing. Beyond research, the partnership aims to cultivate a specialized workforce through graduate scholarships and internships, connecting students directly with defense industry requirements.
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County facilitated the move, viewing the presence of Blue Ops as a catalyst for local high-tech growth. For Blue Ops President Barry Hinckley, the environment at Harbor Branch offers the essential maritime conditions required to refine autonomous technologies before they reach full-scale deployment in complex oceanic environments.
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