The United States, United Kingdom,and Australia are set to develop advanced underwater drone technology aimed at safeguarding undersea cables and enhancing naval defense capabilities. This initiative, part of Aukus military pact, was announced by defense ministers during a security summit in Singapore.
British defense secretary John Healey revealed that the UK will contribute £150 million (approximately $201 million) to the project,although the total cost remains undisclosed. The uncrewed undersea vehicle (UUV) technology is expected to be operational by next year, marking significant step in the Aukus partnership,which began in 2021 .
Healey acknowledged previous criticisms regarding the slow progress of Aukus projects,stating, "for too long in Aukus, we talked too much and delivered too little." He emphasized that the situation has changed under current administrations of the three nations.
The Aukus pact seeks to bolster military collaboration,particularly in response to China's expanding maritime influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The UUV technology represents the first major project under Aukus's Pillar Two, which focuses on developing advanced capabilities, including long-range hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence.
A joint statement from the three nations outlined that the UUVs will be equipped with "cutting edge payloads and enabling systems." These drones will be capable of protecting seabed infrastructure, conducting reconnaissance, and executing logistics operations. Additionally,Healey noted that the UUVs would incorporate sensors and weapon systems to enhance military readiness.
Concerns about threats to undersea cables and pipelines have intensified, particularly following Healey's recent accusations against Russia for allegedly conducting covert operations in UK waters. The UK is connected by around 60 undersea cables,which officials claim are increasingly vulnerable to Russian activity,with sightings of Russian vessels in UK waters rising by 30% in recent years. In December,the UK and Norway signed agreement to monitor Russian submarines in the North Atlantic to protect these vital cables .
Meanwhile,Chinese vessels have been implicated in damaging undersea cables near Taiwan and in Swedish waters,with multiple reports of cable damage in the Baltic Sea. When asked whether UUV project was specifically aimed at countering Russian and Chinese activities,the defense ministers refrained from providing a direct answer.
Under Pillar One of Aukus agreement,the UK and Australia are set to construct nuclear-powered attack submarines, significantly enhancing Australia's military capabilities. This deal positions Australia as only the second nation to receive the United States' elite nuclear propulsion technology,following the UK.
However, questions persist regarding the timeline for submarines,which are not expected to be operational until the 2040s. In the interim, US and UK plan to rotate their existing nuclear-powered submarines through Australia. Australian defense minister Richard Marles has faced scrutiny over whether the Aukus submarine project can meet its deadlines, asserting that there is no alternative plan .
During the summit, US defense secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the rotation of US and UK submarines through Australia remains on schedule,with the first US Navy personnel expected to arrive later this year. Marles also stated that the HMAS Stirling navy base in Western Australia will be prepared to host the rotational submarine force by the end of 2027,and efforts are underway to establish a construction yard in South Australia for the Aukus submarines .
