AUKUS partners to develop unmanned undersea vehicles with deliveries from 2027
Synopsis
AUKUS partners Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have announced a joint programme to develop unmanned undersea vehicles, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.
Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have announced plans to jointly develop unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) under the AUKUS defence partnership, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. The project forms part of the alliance's broader effort to advance next-generation military technologies and strengthen undersea warfare capabilities.
Key highlights
- AUKUS partners will jointly develop unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs)
- Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027
- Programme falls under AUKUS Pillar Two advanced technology initiatives
- UUVs are designed to enhance reconnaissance and strike capabilities
- Officials say the project will strengthen maritime and undersea operations
What happened?
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Saturday that the three AUKUS partners are collaborating on the development of unmanned undersea vehicles.
In a joint statement, AUKUS confirmed that deliveries of the new systems will begin in 2027.
The programme falls under AUKUS Pillar Two, which focuses on advanced defence technologies, including:
- Artificial intelligence
- Cyber technology
- Quantum computing
- Hypersonic systems
- Undersea capabilities
Why this matters
The unmanned undersea vehicles are intended to strengthen the three nations' maritime and defence capabilities.
According to the joint statement, the programme will improve reconnaissance and strike operations while supporting anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, mine countermeasures, electronic warfare and contested littoral manoeuvre missions.
The initiative also reflects ongoing efforts by Australia, Britain and the United States to deepen defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Official statements
Pete Hegseth said the project will provide adaptable systems for a range of military missions.
"The signature project will deliver a suite of highly adaptable multi-mission UUV payloads designed to support undersea operations and maintain our collective advantage in the maritime domain."
British Defence Secretary John Healey said the programme would accelerate access to advanced military technologies.
"This will rapidly give our forces the very most advanced battlefield technologies as together we produce a range of cutting-edge sensors and weapons systems for undersea drones."
Healey also said the vehicles would strengthen the three countries' ability to respond to threats targeting critical infrastructure, including underwater cables and pipelines.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Healey added: "For too long in AUKUS, we talked too much and delivered too little."
Background & Context
Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States formed the AUKUS security partnership in 2021.
The agreement was created to enhance defence cooperation and develop advanced military capabilities across several strategic technology areas.
The alliance is widely viewed as part of efforts by the three nations to strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amid growing regional competition.
China has previously criticised AUKUS, describing the partnership as destabilising and warning it could contribute to an arms race in the region.
What happens next?
Development work on the unmanned undersea vehicle programme will continue under AUKUS Pillar Two, with initial deliveries expected to commence in 2027.
The three countries are expected to further expand cooperation across advanced defence technologies as part of the broader AUKUS framework.
The undersea vehicle programme is set to become one of the alliance's first major Pillar Two capability projects to move into operational delivery.
FAQs
Q1: What are unmanned undersea vehicles?
Unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) are autonomous or remotely operated underwater systems used for military, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Q2: When will AUKUS begin delivering the vehicles?
According to the joint announcement, deliveries are scheduled to start in 2027.
Q3: What is AUKUS Pillar Two?
Pillar Two focuses on developing advanced defence technologies, including artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, quantum technologies, hypersonics and undersea systems.
Q4: Which countries are involved in the programme?
The programme is being developed jointly by Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Q5: What capabilities will the vehicles support?
The systems are intended to support reconnaissance, strike operations, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, mine countermeasures and electronic warfare missions.
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