AUKUS Submarines to Launch Networked, Autonomous Undersea Drones

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

The AUKUS alliance, a trilateral pact between Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., is making strides in developing unmanned undersea capabilities, many of which are designed to introduce new levels of undersea autonomy and networking. Small drones, for instance, can launch from submarine launch tubes from beneath the surface and conduct vital reconnaissance and attack missions.

While the submarine aspect of the AUKUS agreement will take several decades to materialize fully, the advancement of the high-tech components and drones being developed under the pact is already in progress. The aim is to achieve immediate victories for their respective fleets, as stated by officials.

The first major initiative of AUKUS was the commitment to support Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. This year, the AUKUS allies are developing undersea capabilities they can field.

Furthermore, Vice Admiral Robert M. Gaucher, the leader of the U.S. Naval Submarine Forces, emphasized that the cornerstone of a successful implementation of the initial phase lies in the calculated progression of Australia’s nuclear submarine forces in tandem with the United States.

Industry advances the curve on hypersonic drone flight

Interestingly, the second pillar of the agreement is centered on developing and deploying cutting-edge technology that the nations can collaboratively work on. Eight working groups have been established, focusing on cyber, quantum, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, hypersonics, undersea warfare, information sharing, and innovation. Each group has a list of concepts to test and deliver to operators rapidly.