Blue Armada Robotics from Gdansk has been selected for the prestigious Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program – a NATO-backed initiative supporting dual-use innovation across the Alliance. Out of more than 2,600 applicants from NATO member nations, only 72 companies were chosen through a highly competitive process, with the Gdansk-based company being the sole Polish firm specifically focused on the security and resilience of Critical Marine Infrastructure.
Blue Armada Robotics specializes in dual-use maritime technologies, offering turnkey systems based on Unmanned and Autonomous Surface Vessel (USV/ASV) platforms. These vessels are equipped with advanced sensors and communication tools, enabling asset owners and operators to monitor marine infrastructure at scale while making smarter decisions and reducing operational costs.
“Our team has been engaged in marine robotics for over 15 years. We delivered our first Unmanned Surface Vessel 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 & CEO of Blue Armada Robotics.
The company was selected within the Critical Infrastructure and Logistics Challenge category of the DIANA program. Participation provides privileged access to non-dilutive funding, NATO’s transatlantic test center network, and experienced mentors, accelerating the path to commercial deployment in both civilian and defense sectors. The program specifically targets technologies with scalable potential to address high-impact geopolitical challenges, from infrastructure resilience to autonomy in denied environments, contributing to NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan.
Blue Armada Robotics’ vessels utilize hybrid-electric powertrains, enabling 24/7 operations with the capability to stay at sea for up to two weeks without refueling. Through its collaboration with DIANA, the company is advancing Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) operational capability, enabling vessels to make autonomous decisions and execute entire missions without human input or reliance on a Remote Operations Center.
The company also collaborates closely with Palladion Defence, hosted at the Bundeswehr University in Munich, Germany. This strategic engagement provides access to experienced defense procurement specialists, operational end-users, and NATO-aligned maritime professionals, accelerating the advancement of dual-use capabilities toward operational integration within Allied frameworks.
“We are thrilled to continue in this hands-on program 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.
The CEO emphasized the broader strategic importance of their technology: “Our team is driven by the belief that the effective, large-scale deployment of autonomous systems to safeguard critical marine infrastructure—including offshore wind farms, as well as subsea power/data cables and pipelines—not only enhances Europe’s energy security and climate resilience, but also strengthens collective deterrence under NATO’s shared commitment to protecting vital assets.”
Autonomous maritime systems play an increasingly critical role in protecting energy infrastructure, particularly offshore wind farms and subsea transmission cables. Seabed cables and pipelines transport energy to power industries and transmit data essential for the safety and resilience of modern societies, making them classified as Critical Marine Infrastructure. The development of autonomous monitoring technologies for this infrastructure is fundamental to Europe’s energy security and energy transformation toward renewable sources.
