Scottish technology originally developed for the offshore energy industry could soon play a key role in defending the world’s seas under a new international agreement.
Aberdeen-based Rovtech Solutions has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Australian maritime specialist Franmarine to accelerate deployment of its VALOR remotely operated vehicle (ROV) platform into global defence and sovereign naval markets.
The agreement has just been announced at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference (IODS) in Perth Australia, where VALOR is being showcased with an integrated Mine Countermeasure (MCM) skid configuration.
The partnership represents a significant strategic move for Rovtech, positioning defence and maritime security as major future markets for technology originally engineered to operate in some of the harshest offshore oil and gas environments in the world.
The collaboration aligns with evolving AUKUS Pillar II objectives around unmanned maritime systems, remote operations and reducing personnel exposure in hazardous environments.
Originally developed for complex offshore inspection and intervention work, VALOR’s modular design, manoeuvrability and operational efficiency are increasingly aligned with growing international demand for advanced underwater defence and infrastructure protection technologies.
The vehicle can be deployed from both crewed and uncrewed platforms, including Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), enabling remote subsea intervention without placing personnel directly into high-risk environments.
One of the key operational applications for the system is mine countermeasure (MCM) operations, where VALOR can be remotely deployed to identify, hunt and support the neutralisation of naval mines while operators remain safely removed from the hazard area.
Franmarine has established relationships across the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy and United States Navy through allied defence partnerships, creating a strategic pathway for the Aberdeen-developed subsea technology to support sovereign naval and maritime security operations globally.
The companies will jointly explore opportunities for the platform across mine countermeasures, underwater surveillance, subsea inspection and broader maritime security applications as allied navies continue investing heavily in autonomous undersea capability and critical infrastructure protection.
John Polson, CEO of Rovtech Solutions, said: 'This is a major milestone for Rovtech and a hugely exciting opportunity for technology developed in Scotland.
'VALOR was created to solve complex challenges in demanding offshore energy environments, but the same capabilities are becoming increasingly important within defence and maritime security.
'Navies are increasingly looking for ways to reduce personnel exposure while extending operational capability through remotely deployed systems.
'There is growing international focus on protecting critical underwater infrastructure and strengthening subsea defence capability. Through this partnership with Franmarine, we now have a strong strategic route into those markets.
'We see significant alignment between both businesses in terms of technology, operational capability and long-term vision.'
Adam Falconer-West, CEO of Franmarine, added: 'There is clear global demand emerging for agile, intelligent subsea systems capable of supporting modern naval operations.
'Franmarine brings established sovereign naval sustainment capability through its support of the Royal Australian Navy and allied defence programs.
'Together, this partnership positions both organisations to support the growing shift toward hybrid-crewed and autonomous naval operations, combining advanced subsea robotics, remote intervention capability and reduced personnel exposure in high-risk environments.'
The announcement comes amid rising international investment in underwater security capability as governments increase focus on protecting subsea infrastructure, shipping routes and strategic maritime assets.
Rovtech and its next-generation VALOR platform were recently acquired by Ventex, a venture studio which is focussed on backing high-potential technologies supporting the energy transition.
Source: Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
