UK to spearhead innovative underwater technology for uncrewed vehicles
The United Kingdom is set to take the lead in developing advanced sensing technologies intended for deployment from uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), as part of the AUKUS security partnership with Australia and the United States. This initiative represents a significant milestone in enhancing maritime security and deterrence capabilities across both the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
This announcement follows a week of extensive testing during the Maritime Big Play exercise held in San Diego, where various uncrewed systems were demonstrated and integrated. The project aligns with the AUKUS Pillar II framework, which seeks to harness the innovative potential of each nation’s defence sectors to bolster military capabilities globally.
New sensor payloads to enhance underwater surveillance
The UK will oversee the development of three pioneering sensor payloads designed for UUVs: a Synthetic Aperture Sonar, a Deployable Anti-Submarine Warfare Sensor, and a Deployable Non-Kinetic Effector. These state-of-the-art technologies will enable the gathering of critical underwater intelligence, the detection and classification of threats, and the generation of various underwater effects.
Scheduled for deployment across the three nations’ UUV fleets by 2027, these capabilities will enhance the operational reach and effectiveness of these fleets, fortifying strategic deterrence in key maritime regions. The initiative places AUKUS at the forefront of autonomy and uncrewed systems in naval operations, marking a pivotal step in the integration of innovative technologies within the partnership.
Strengthening the AUKUS alliance
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, emphasised the UK’s commitment to AUKUS, highlighting how this cutting-edge technology underscores British innovation at the heart of the partnership. He noted the significant contributions of British companies, both large and small, in driving this initiative forward, which in turn fosters skilled employment and modernises the naval force to meet evolving security challenges.
Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on AUKUS, praised the depth of collaboration within the partnership. He remarked on the UK’s leadership in developing some of the most advanced undersea sensor payloads, which will enhance collective security across the allied nations.
Investment in defence capabilities and maritime innovation
The AUKUS partnership is further supported by the Defence Investment Plan, which allocates £298 billion for UK defence over the next four years, marking the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War. The Maritime Big Play exercise aims to expedite the transition from innovation to operational capability by testing new maritime technologies in realistic environments.
During the recent exercises, AUKUS allies tested their crewed and uncrewed systems across various operational scenarios, including anti-submarine warfare and contested resupply. The UK played a pivotal role in the anti-submarine warfare segment, deploying numerous uncrewed surface vehicles and underwater gliders from multiple industry partners, paving the way for a more flexible and modern Hybrid Navy.
Fostering collaboration and economic growth through innovation
Captain Keith Taylor from the Royal Navy highlighted the unique opportunities presented by the Maritime Big Play exercise to translate autonomy into operational advantages. By bringing together scientists, industry experts, and military personnel, the exercise aims to develop integrated solutions that allow diverse autonomous systems to operate cohesively, thereby enhancing combat effectiveness and deterrent capabilities.
The event also showcased the innovative technologies of two UK winners from the AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge, SEA Ltd and Decision Analysis Services Ltd, which demonstrated their cutting-edge solutions to trilateral partners. These companies, alongside other successful candidates, are set to receive a share of £3 million in funding aimed at advancing undersea command, control, and cooperation capabilities.
The Maritime Big Play exercise and the announcement regarding the advancement of the first signature project signify a productive month for the UK’s efforts under AUKUS Pillar 2. This includes the successful test firing of a US-Australian heavyweight torpedo from the UK’s extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle, XV Excalibur, marking a historic achievement in enhancing interoperability and contributing to the broader objectives of the partnership.