Australian researchers won $200,000 to develop underwater Wi-Fi for better defense and scientific communication.

West Australian researchers from Proteus Maritime and Edith Cowan University have won a $200,000 government grant to develop an underwater mesh network, dubbed "underwater Wi-Fi," to improve defense communications. The system enables devices like submarines and drones to connect directly with nearby units, creating a resilient, hub-free network that overcomes the limitations of radio signals in water. The project, selected through a competitive process for its innovation and feasibility, builds on a 2024 winning entry from the Exercise Western Dawn Innovation Program. Officials say it could enhance military coordination, support scientific research, and boost Western Australia’s role in defense technology.