US, UK, Australia to build underwater drones under AUKUS by 2027

AUKUS nations to partner on unmanned undersea vehicles by 2027

Mohan Sinha
01 Jun 2026, 06:24 GMT+10

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are working together to build unmanned underwater vehicles under their AUKUS defense agreement.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are working together to build unmanned underwater vehicles under their AUKUS defense agreement.
AUKUS was established in 2021 as part of efforts by the three countries to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

SINGAPORE: The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are working together to build unmanned underwater vehicles under their AUKUS defense agreement, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on May 30.

In a joint statement, AUKUS said these vehicles will start being delivered in 2027.

The program is meant to strengthen the three countries' ability to gather information and carry out attacks. It will also improve their strength in areas like anti-submarine and surface warfare, mine clearing, electronic warfare, and operations in coastal areas.

This project is part of AUKUS's "Pillar Two," which focuses on developing advanced military technologies such as quantum computing, undersea systems, hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and cyber tools.

Hegseth said the project will provide flexible, multi-purpose underwater drone systems to support operations at sea and help maintain their advantage in maritime security.

AUKUS was created in 2021 as part of efforts by the three countries to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has criticized the pact, calling it risky and warning that it could lead to an arms race in the region.

UK Defense Secretary John Healey said the project will quickly give their forces some of the most advanced battlefield technologies, including modern sensors and weapons for underwater drones.

He also said these vehicles will improve their ability to respond to threats, such as attacks on underwater cables and pipelines.

Healey added that in the past, AUKUS had focused too much on discussions and not enough on action.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Brisbane Star.

More Information

Australia

Section

AUKUS nations to partner on unmanned undersea vehicles by 2027

SINGAPORE: The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are working together to build unmanned underwater vehicles under their...

"India, Australia defence engagements increased...": Rajnath Singh hails Defence Ministers' Dialogue

New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday hailed the Annual India-Australia Defence Minister's Dialogue...

Maharashtra issues Letter of Intent to AirTrunk for Rs 2 lakh crore data centre project in Raigad

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 1 (ANI): The Maharashtra government has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Australia-based data...

Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles says that India-Australia defence ties are "at a high-water mark"

New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday said that India and...

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles pays tributes at National War Memorial

New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday paid tributes at the National War Memorial here...

Italy's Cristian Volpato switches eligibility, named to Australia's World Cup roster

(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) Four years after declining an invitation to play for Australia, midfielder Cristian Volpato...

International

Section

AUKUS nations to partner on unmanned undersea vehicles by 2027

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Australia

AUKUS nations to partner on unmanned undersea vehicles by 2027

"India, Australia defence engagements increased...": Rajnath Singh hails Defence Ministers' Dialogue

Maharashtra issues Letter of Intent to AirTrunk for Rs 2 lakh crore data centre project in Raigad

Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles says that India-Australia defence ties are "at a high-water mark"

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles pays tributes at National War Memorial

Italy's Cristian Volpato switches eligibility, named to Australia's World Cup roster

International

Newark airport dispute risks major hit to US tourism

AUKUS nations to partner on unmanned undersea vehicles by 2027

11 Lebanese children get killed or injured every 24 hours, UN says

New Glenn blast deals setback to Blue Origin ambitions

Ex-head of Shaolin Temple gets 24 years jail for embezzlement, bribery

Trump’s plan for $1.8 billion 'weaponization' fund blocked by judge

Movie Review

Testament [Blu-Ray]