AUKUS partners to jointly develop advanced equipment for underwater drones

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are set to collaborate on the joint development of advanced equipment for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) as part of their trilateral security pact, AUKUS. This move signals a renewed momentum in military cooperation within the alliance, particularly focusing on the second pillar of their shared objectives.

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We will develop the cutting-edge equipment and support systems needed for underwater drones and begin supplying them from next year.

Announced at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, the defense ministers of the three nations confirmed their commitment to the AUKUS partnership. They stated that under Pillar 2, they will develop cutting-edge equipment and support systems for underwater drones, with initial supplies expected to begin next year. The three countries recognize the critical need to bolster their capabilities in areas such as anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and electronic warfare, especially for protecting vital undersea infrastructure.

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This project will see the AUKUS partners make a substantial investment in advanced underwater drone development.

This initiative draws inspiration from the proven effectiveness of drones in recent conflicts, notably in Ukraine, where they demonstrated significant destructive power at a relatively low cost. The AUKUS nations are now prioritizing the development of combat drones for maritime and underwater warfare, viewing them as potential game-changers. Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Richard Marles, emphasized the project's importance, stating it represents a substantial financial investment by the three nations in advanced underwater drone technology.

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For a long time, there has been a lot of talk and not much action regarding AUKUS activities. That has now changed, and we are now moving forward with AUKUS at full speed.

British Defense Secretary John Healey acknowledged past criticisms of AUKUS, noting that "there has been a lot of talk and not much action" previously, but asserted that the situation has changed and the alliance is now moving forward rapidly. The announcement also reaffirmed progress on Pillar 1 of AUKUS, which involves providing Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. Plans include the rotational deployment of US and UK nuclear-powered submarines to Australia starting next year, followed by Australia's acquisition of Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s. Additionally, the UK and Australia plan to jointly develop nuclear-powered attack submarines for deployment in the late 2030s.

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Australia will accelerate its readiness to possess, operate, and maintain its own conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine force.