Aukus: US, UK and Australia to develop underwater drone technology

It is widely seen as a way to counter China’s growing maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific and its role in rising tensions in disputed territories such as the South China Sea.

The UUV technology is the first signature project under Aukus’s Pillar Two, in which the partner countries work together on “advanced capabilities” in areas such as long-range hypersonic missiles, undersea robotics and AI.

A joint statement said the new project would see “cutting edge payloads and enabling systems” developed for UUVs that could protect seabed infrastructure, conduct strikes, and conduct surveillance, reconnaissance and logistics operations.