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Deep tech scaleup Advanced Navigation deepens US military ties with new global head of defence

- September 4, 2024 2 MIN READ
Wayne Prender
Advanced Navigation new global head of defence, Wayne Prender
Autonomous navigation scaleup Advanced Navigation has new US-based Global Head of Defence, recruiting former US Army platoon leader and intelligence officer Wayne Prender to the role.

The 12-year-old deep tech hardware venture, chaired by former PM Malcolm Turnbull, with legendary US Army general David Petraeus chairing its defence advisory board, is a world leader in what’s known as Assured Position, Navigation and Timing (APNT) and autonomous systems for precision location tasks in defence and other commercial uses on land, sea, air and space.

It produces everything from fibre optic gyroscopes to AI-enhanced navigation and robotics, and affordable autonomous underwater drones, using inertial and acoustic navigation to photonic and quantum sensing. Last year the firm launched an  AI platform for multi-drone operations in disaster management.

Advanced Navigation extended its manufacturing capacity by opening Australia’s largest subsea robotics facility to produce its autonomous underwater drone, Hydrus, which advances underwater military intelligence with applications in change detection, mine countermeasure and Rapid Environment Assessment.

In late 2022, US private equity firm KKR,backed Advanced Navigation in $108 million Series B, supported by  AI Capital and existing backers Main Sequence, Malcolm Turnbull , In-Q-Tel, and OIF.

Prender has more than 20 years of experience in the global defence industrial base, with expertise in what’s known as C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) technologies and uncrewed and robotic systems. He joins Advanced Navigation after 18 years at Textron Systems, where he was the Senior Vice President of Air Systems and led the design, development, fielding and sustainment of uncrewed systems.

He was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during deployment to Iraq and was aide-de-camp for the commanding general of the US Army’s 20th Support Command.

“In today’s global defence market, having cutting-edge APNT solutions is mission-critical. The disruptive solutions that Advanced Navigation designs and delivers at speed provide the situational awareness warfighters need to act quickly and decisively, especially when traditional forms of navigation are unavailable,” Prender said.

“Not only does this intelligence minimise the risk of disorientation and reduce mission delays, it also ensures that mission objectives can be achieved with increased precision, survivability and effectiveness. I look forward to joining the team and bringing these vital capabilities to a global stage, as we work to bolster the defence mechanisms of our allied nations.”

Advanced Navigation chief revenue officer Christopher McNamara said Prender joins at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth.

“Wayne brings not only deep domain expertise in uncrewed systems but also an exceptional understanding of the problems warfighters face,” he said.

“His appointment is a logical step in our strategy to partner with global defence firms and militaries as we tackle their most pressing APNT challenges.”

Petraeus said the appointment of a global head of defence, based in Washington, DC, is “the right move at the right time” adding that “as defence technology cooperation and trade between Australia and the U.S. deepen under the AUKUS Pillar 2 and GWEO initiatives” Advanced Navigation has been at the forefront of developing innovative and reliable APNT solutions where they are needed most.

In July cofounder Xavier Orr stepped down as co-CEO to focus on the health and well-being of his family after 13 years leading the business he cofounded in 2012 with Chris Shaw. He continues to serve on the board.