AUKUS Alliance Launches Underwater Drone Development Initiative
AUKUS partners unveil plan to develop underwater drones
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Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom have announced a joint initiative to develop underwater drones as part of the AUKUS defense pact. The project aims to enhance military capabilities by 2027, focusing on protecting undersea infrastructure and conducting surveillance missions.
- 01The underwater drone project was announced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, and UK Defence Secretary John Healy at the IISS Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore.
- 02The initiative aims to enhance capabilities to protect undersea cables and conduct surveillance, with a commitment of over $170 million from the UK.
- 03The AUKUS partners aim to deliver the new drone technology by 2027, emphasizing a shift towards more tangible outcomes in defense collaboration.
- 04The project responds to increasing threats from Russia and China, particularly regarding subsea cable security.
- 05The AUKUS ministers reaffirmed plans to sell Virginia Class nuclear submarines to Australia in the 2030s, streamlining the acquisition process.
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Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom have unveiled a significant initiative to develop underwater drones as part of their trilateral AUKUS defense pact. This project was announced at the US embassy in Singapore during the IISS Shangri La Dialogue by key defense officials, including US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. The initiative aims to enhance military capabilities, particularly in protecting undersea cables and conducting advanced surveillance missions, with a target delivery date set for 2027. UK Defence Secretary John Healy highlighted a commitment of over $170 million USD to the project, although specific financial contributions from Australia and the US remain undisclosed. The announcement comes amid rising concerns over threats to subsea infrastructure, particularly from Russia and China, prompting the AUKUS partners to reinforce their military collaboration. Additionally, the ministers reiterated plans to facilitate the sale of Virginia Class nuclear submarines to Australia, indicating a streamlined acquisition process for these advanced vessels.
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The development of underwater drones is expected to enhance national security and protect critical infrastructure in the AUKUS countries.
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