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The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have announced plans to develop underwater drone technology as part of their Aukus military alliance, aimed at safeguarding undersea cables and enhancing defense capabilities. This new uncrewed undersea vehicle (UUV) technology is anticipated to be operational by next year. While the total investment for the project was not disclosed, UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that the UK will provide £150 million (approximately $201 million) toward the initiative.
This announcement was made at a security summit in Singapore by the defence ministers of the three countries, addressing earlier concerns about the slow progress of Aukus projects. Healey acknowledged previous criticisms, stating, “for too long in Aukus, we talked too much and delivered too little,” but emphasized, “that has now changed under our three governments.” Since its inception in 2021, the Aukus pact has focused on collaborative efforts such as nuclear submarine development and the exchange of military expertise.
The development of UUV technology represents the first major project under Aukus’s Pillar Two, which concentrates on advanced capabilities including hypersonic missiles, undersea robotics, and artificial intelligence. According to a joint statement from the partners, the technology will involve “cutting edge payloads and enabling systems” enabling these drones to protect seabed infrastructure, perform surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics operations, as well as carry out strikes. Healey also highlighted that sensors and weapons systems will be integrated into the UUVs to ensure “rapidly give our forces advanced battle technologies,” enhancing deterrence across the Pacific, Atlantic, and High North waters.
This initiative comes shortly after Healey accused Russia of conducting covert operations targeting undersea cables and pipelines near the UK, allegations that Moscow has denied. The UK, connected by roughly 60 undersea cables, has seen a 30% increase in Russian vessels in its waters in recent years, raising concerns over the security of this critical infrastructure. Despite questions about whether the UUV project specifically targets Russian and Chinese undersea activities, the defence ministers refrained from commenting on these matters or on the pace of overall Aukus progress.
Under Aukus’s Pillar One, plans continue for the construction of nuclear-powered attack submarines in the UK and Australia. Australia’s participation marks a significant enhancement of its military capabilities, making it only the second country to receive advanced US nuclear propulsion technology after the UK. However, questions remain about whether Australia will be able to complete the submarines in time to replace its aging fleet, with projections indicating the new submarines will only be ready in the 2040s. In the interim, the US and UK will rotate their nuclear-powered submarines through Australian waters, with Australia expected to purchase secondhand nuclear submarines from the US in the 2030s.
Ahead of the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles addressed concerns about the timeline, stressing that the submarine project must proceed as “there was no ‘plan B’.” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the rotation plan involving US and UK submarines remains “on track,” with the first US naval personnel due to arrive later this year. Meanwhile, Marles noted that the HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia will be ready to host the rotational forces by the end of 2027, and progress is underway to establish a submarine construction yard in South Australia as the centerpiece of the Aukus build program
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