US, UK, and Australia Announce Joint Development of Underwater Drone Technology

The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have jointly announced plans to develop unmanned underwater drone technology through the AUKUS military alliance. The UK is set to invest approximately £150 million, equivalent to $201 million, in this submarine drone project. The AUKUS alliance is viewed as a strategic initiative to counterbalance China’s increasing military activities in the Indo-Pacific region. May 31, Kathmandu.

Through the inclusive AUKUS military partnership, the US, UK, and Australia are advancing plans to develop underwater drone technology. This decision was made during the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit held in Singapore. Following the conference, the defense ministers of the three nations stated that cutting-edge “Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles” (UUVs) will be developed to enhance maritime security systems and protect critical underwater cables. The technology is expected to be ready within the next year.

While the total project cost remains unspecified, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace disclosed that the UK intends to invest £150 million ($201 million) in the initiative. Established in 2021, the AUKUS defense pact primarily aims to develop nuclear submarines and facilitate the sharing of military expertise. This alliance is especially regarded as a strategic measure to balance China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific and to manage activities in the disputed South China Sea region.