Saab UK marks 40 years of subsea robotics innovation
Saab UK is marking 40 years of Seaeye subsea robotics, innovation and engineering excellence focused on improving safety and performance in underwater operations.
Founded in 1986 to address the risks of deep‑water offshore operations, Seaeye pioneered electric remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that reduce human exposure in challenging subsea environments. This safety‑led approach has remained central to the company’s development and was further strengthened when Seaeye became part of Saab in 2007, supporting long‑term investment and global growth across commercial and defence markets.
Today, operating in the UK from its Fareham campus, Saab produces the world’s largest range of electric ROVs from a single manufacturer, with over 1,100 systems delivered to customers in 74 countries. Its systems are used across 13 industries, including critical undersea infrastructure, offshore energy and marine science, helping customers manage risk in complex and demanding environments.
Over the years, Seaeye vehicles have been used to support a huge range of applications, from surveying a long lost 18th Century ship wreck by the Colombian navy, to safely inspecting underwater energy infrasture in crocodile infested waters in Indonesia.
Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, said:
“Seaeye’s 40‑year history reflects a consistent commitment to practical innovation driven by the need to keep people safe below the surface. That achievement is rooted in the expertise, dedication and ingenuity of the people behind the technology, whose focus on real operational challenges continues to deliver trusted capability for customers around the world.”
Jon Robertson, Seaeye Managing Director at Saab UK, said:
“Our 40th anniversary is a celebration of the people and partnerships that have defined our success. Through innovation, dedication, and collaboration, our employees, customers, and suppliers have helped us grow, adapt, and lead. Thank you for being part of our journey – we look forward to shaping the future together.”
Saab’s focus on safety-led innovationis reflected in the breadth of the Seaeye portfolio, which ranges from high‑performance ROVs such as Seaeye SR20 all‑electric workclass ROV, Seaeye Leopard and Seaeye Cougar‑XTi, to the rapidly deployable Seaeye Falcon. Advanced solutions including Sabertooth – a hybrid AUV/ROV, and the eM1‑7 electric manipulator, further extend operational reach, dexterity and control, supporting safer and more efficient subsea operations across a wide range of environments.
As the subsea domain becomes increasingly strategic, Saab UK continues to invest in all‑electric systems, remote operations and next‑generation technologies to meet future challenges.
Charlotte Sherwood
www.saab.com/UK
Saab UK Ltd, a legal entity of Saab AB, is a leading defence and security company. With around 600 employees and a presence in the UK for more than 30 years, Saab operates 8 major facilities across the country, including training and simulation in Wiltshire, Seaeye underwater robotics and sensor systems in Fareham, Public Safety Solutions in Hull, the Software Technology Centre in Farnborough, and its headquarters in London.
The UK is a key country of operations for Saab. Over 60% of the Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon comes from UK supply chain and 35% of the Gripen fighter jet is sourced from UK companies, creating thousands of jobs.
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