Australia arms underwater drones for AUKUS Pacific tests this month
Australia is arming locally made underwater drones with weapons for AUKUS tests.
Australian-made underwater drones will carry weapons systems for the first time. The drones will be tested during military exercises off California later this month.
Defence Minister Pat Conroy and Navy Chief Vice Admiral Matt Buckley confirmed the news. The Ghost Shark and Speartooth Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles will be fitted with advanced payloads.
This will happen at an AUKUS Pillar II exercise in San Diego. The Ghost Shark is described as the world's most advanced large autonomous underwater vehicle.
It can be deployed along Australia's coast. The armed systems will improve the Navy's undersea warfare ability.
They will help protect undersea cables and other infrastructure. They will conduct surveillance and strike operations.
This is the first major project announced under AUKUS Pillar Two.
- Pat Conroy
- Defence Minister
- Vice Admiral Matt Buckley
- Navy Chief
- Anduril, US-owned, Sydney-based
- Lead developer
- San Diego AUKUS exercise, later this month
- Test location and timing
Why it mattersThis marks Australia's first use of armed autonomous undersea systems. It shows AUKUS is delivering on promised military technology cooperation.
AustraliaStrengthens Australian naval power in the Indo-Pacific and demonstrates Australian defence technology can compete internationally, potentially opening export markets.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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