SINGAPORE May 30, 2026 — The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have unveiled a major new trilateral project under the AUKUS defence pact to collaboratively develop unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), marking a significant step forward in advanced capabilities.
The announcement was made on Saturday, May 30, 2026, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore by UK Defence Secretary John Healey, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Speaking at a press huddle, Healey highlighted the project’s potential: “This will rapidly give our forces the very most advanced battlefield technologies as together we produce a range of cutting-edge sensors and weapons systems for undersea drones.”
He added that the initiative would enhance the ability to “detect, deter and deal with threats,” including to critical underwater infrastructure like cables and pipelines. The UK is committing more than £150 million to the effort, which will integrate into its “hybrid navy” concept for undersea operations.
The project advances AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on developing advanced technologies such as hypersonics, quantum, AI, and now uncrewed systems, beyond the nuclear submarine focus of Pillar 1. Officials described it as a “marquee project” aimed at accelerating practical delivery after periods of slower progress.
Healey emphasised momentum: “For too long in AUKUS, we talked too much and delivered too little… Make no mistake this is a big step forward. It’s a breakthrough that has not been achieved in the AUKUS partnership before.”
The collaboration is expected to drive innovation across the three nations’ defence industries, create jobs, and strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, Euro-Atlantic, and High North regions. Hegseth and Marles stood alongside Healey during the remarks, underscoring unity.
The move comes amid growing regional tensions and follows earlier planning for the announcement at the high-profile Asia security summit. It builds on existing efforts like Australia’s Ghost Shark autonomous undersea vehicle program.
China has previously criticised AUKUS as destabilising and likely to fuel an arms race in the region.
This development signals a renewed push for tangible outcomes in the pact, with all three nations committed to deeper integration of cutting-edge maritime technologies.
About The Author
