Sweden has awarded BUVI Scandinavia a contract to supply an EvoLogics Sonobot 5 uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) for military waterway survey operations.
Valued at 43 million Swedish kronor ($4.57 million), the deal covers the delivery of a Sonobot 5 system in fall 2026, along with support services and training. It also includes an option for additional systems.
Sonobot 5 will be used to survey waterways, including rivers, streams, canals, and shallow water areas, ahead of the deployment of pontoon or floating bridge systems. By assessing water depth, terrain, and underwater obstacles, it enables safer and more efficient bridge construction operations.
It will undergo testing and evaluation in both coastal and inland environments before induction.
“With this system, detailed 3D images of the seabed can be created in a short time,” systems engineer at Sweden’s defense procurement agency Gabriel Dalborg said.
“This will lead to more efficient and faster decision-making and improved fieldwork capabilities within the armed forces.”
Sonobot 5 USV
The EvoLogics Sonobot 5 is a lightweight, modular platform designed for automated hydrographic surveys, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and search-and-rescue missions in inland and coastal waters.
Compact and rugged, it is deployable by a single operator and operates in autonomous or remotely controlled modes. The system features a modular architecture supporting multiple mission-specific configurations.
Optimized for survey operations, its performance and endurance vary depending on configuration, while onboard AI enables real-time data processing to support faster decision-making.
