The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia announced they will jointly develop underwater drone technology under the Aukus treaty to protect submarine cables and pipelines.
On 30 May 2026, the US, UK, and Australia declared their intention to jointly develop underwater drone technology to protect submarine cables and enhance national defense capabilities under the military alliance known as Aukus.
This unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) technology is expected to be ready for deployment by next year. Although the total project cost was not disclosed, John Healey, the UK Secretary of State for Defense, stated that his country will provide £150 million in funding.
The announcement was made by the defense ministers of the three countries at a security summit in Singapore, following criticism regarding delays in Aukus projects.
Healey acknowledged the criticism, saying, “In the past, Aukus has involved too much talk and too little action.” He added, “But now that has changed under the governments of our three countries.”
The joint statement said the new project will develop "state-of-the-art operating and support systems" for UUVs, which will be capable of protecting seabed infrastructure, countering attacks, as well as conducting patrol, surveillance, and logistics operations.
Additionally, Healey mentioned that sensor and weapons systems will be developed for these UUVs, enabling rapid provision of advanced combat technology to the military.
This will also help address threats, including those targeting our submarine cables and pipelines, which daily life heavily depends on,” he added. The effort will also strengthen deterrence in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic, and the upper Arctic waters.
This announcement comes one month after Healey accused Russia of conducting covert operations on cables and oil pipelines in northern UK waters, though Moscow denied the allegations.
In December of the previous year, the UK and Norway signed an agreement to jointly track Russian submarines in the North Atlantic to protect submarine cables.
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Source:bbc