Blueprint Subsea, a UK-based provider of advanced underwater sonar and navigation systems, recently unveiled an ambitious strategic expansion with Italian partner SUEX Srl through a joint venture partnership. This move coincided with the start of 2025 and demonstrated both companies' deepening cooperation within the defence industry.
Formation of AION Group
At the core of this development lies AION Group, a privately held holding company named after its Greek word meaning everlasting, AION is comprised of both Blueprint Subsea and SUEX being fully transferred over to it - 100 percent owned by their four founders - providing a solid platform for future investments and business expansion.
James Barratt, the Managing Director of Blueprint Subsea, highlighted this joint venture as an important milestone. By pooling their strengths and resources together, partners are well-placed for rapid expansion in defence market projects involving joint projects - which already account for much of their respective revenues.
Strategic Benefits and Operational Continuity.
The AION Group formation can bring multiple advantages, including easier customer procurement by streamlining defence sector sales efforts. Furthermore, pooled resources for research and development, manufacturing, sales and marketing provide faster development coupled with stronger financial support for this endeavor.
Blueprint Subsea and SUEX will operate as separate trading entities under AION, with their daily activities still directed by their founders and management teams, providing continuity for clients relying on specialized products from these two entities.
Blueprint Subsea's sales team can be reached for any inquiries about AION Group operations or ongoing activities; thus reassuring stakeholders of business as usual during this evolution.
Blueprint Subseas Core Offerings
Blueprint Subsea has earned an excellent reputation since 2006 for developing cutting-edge acoustic imaging and navigation solutions tailored to subsea, offshore, and military applications. Their product lineup features the Oculus range of multibeam imaging sonars.
Oculus series cameras deliver exceptional image quality in compact, rugged housings. Key specifications of both single- and dual-frequency models range from 375kHz to 3.0MHz frequencies, operating ranges up to 200m, wide 130-degree horizontal apertures of 20 degrees horizontal and 10 degrees vertical apertures and 0.25 degree resolution angular resolution, range resolution as fine as 2mm resolution resolution rates reaching 40Hz; depth ratings range between 500m, 1000m and 4000m for use on platforms such as inspection-class ROVs as well as work-class systems. Update rates reach 40Hz for depth ratings 500m, 1000m and 4000m models respectively suited to platforms from inspection-class ROVs as well as work-class systems.
Oculus products such as StarFish sidescan sonars provide professional capabilities in a compact form factor; Artemis Diver Sonar and Navigator allows zero-visibility target identification and navigation across various markets.
Defence Sector Focus and Partnerships
Blueprint Subseas' joint venture's focus on defence aligns perfectly with Blueprint Subseas' existing collaborations, such as with Nortek to enhance reliable navigation for divers in tactical missions. Such efforts showcase their firm's dedication to offering cutting-edge solutions for military and offshore challenges.
Blueprint Subsea operates out of England's Lake District and caters to international markets, positioning AION Group to capitalize on increasing demand for advanced underwater technologies as maritime defence needs shift and evolve.