Vatn Systems Launches Inertial Navigation System for Maritime Autonomy Powered by ANELLO Photonics

The new capability delivers precise, GPS-free navigation to enable defense and commercial missions in harsh maritime environments at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I., Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vatn Systems, a leading defense technology company building autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for the US military and allies, along with commercial customers, today announced the launch of INStinct, a next-generation inertial navigation system (INS) built to deliver precise and resilient maritime navigation in GPS-denied environments at the fraction of the cost of existing systems. Powered by leading IMU technology company ANELLO Photonics, INStinct represents a leap forward in affordable, high-performance navigation for both surface and underwater operations.

INStinct is designed from the ground up for operational flexibility. Its modular architecture allows customers to tailor the system to their specific mission needs, whether optimizing for cost or performance. INStinct can be configured with a variety of inertial measurement units (IMUs), including ANELLO's Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope (SiPhOG™)–based X3 IMU to deliver high-accuracy performance in the harshest maritime environments. ANELLO's X3 IMU leverages its proprietary SiPhOG™ technology, delivering a compact, high precision, low-power solution with superior shock and vibration tolerance ideal for mission-critical maritime operations.

"Inertial navigation is the cornerstone of autonomy at sea," said Nelson Mills, CEO and co-founder of Vatn Systems. "With INStinct, we've created a navigation solution that meets the needs of both our own vehicles and third-party platforms, offering reliability, accuracy, and adaptability. ANELLO's IMU technology allows us to offer an INS with FOG performance at a fraction of the traditional cost. The launch of INStinct marks another milestone in our broader strategy to own the full tech stack for underwater vehicles."

"The integration of our technology and our ANELLO X3 IMU into Vatn's platforms and INS marks a pivotal advancement in our mission to transform autonomous underwater navigation," said Dr. Mario Paniccia, CEO and co-founder of ANELLO Photonics. "Our technology has been rigorously field-tested across land, air, and sea environments, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Vatn to offer an underwater navigation solution. This partnership highlights our commitment to delivering next-generation navigation solutions that empower accurate and more efficient underwater operations."

Built for rapid deployment and seamless integration, INStinct supports DVL integrations, maritime-optimized algorithms, and housing options ranging from OEM to depth-rated enclosures. By the end of 2025, a multitude of Vatn vehicles with INStinct on board will be delivered to customers.

About Vatn Systems
Vatn Systems is a leading defense technology company building autonomous underwater vehicles that can be deployed at scale for the US military and allies. Founded in 2023 by a team of maritime experts and military leaders, Vatn Systems is on a mission to be the next underwater defense prime in a world where autonomous systems dominate naval battlefields. For more information, visit www.vatnsystems.com and follow the company on LinkedIn.

About ANELLO Photonics
ANELLO Photonics is a leading-edge technology company based in Santa Clara, CA. The company has developed the ANELLO SiPhOG™ – Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope – based on integrated photonic system-on-chip technology. ANELLO's technology portfolio spans over 40 issued patents, over 44 pending patents, and also includes an AI-based sensor fusion engine. ANELLO^® and SIPHOGTM are registered trademarks of ANELLO Photonics.

Media Contacts:

Vatn Systems
McKenzie Hicks
[email protected] 

ANELLO Photonics
Gerhard Boiciuc
[email protected]

SOURCE Vatn Systems