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 South America Times.

More Information

International

Section

Canada’s citizenship rules encourage Americans to look there

TORONTO, Canada: Although relations between the U.S. and Canada have become strained under President Donald Trump, new data shows that...

Judge rules Kennedy Center board acted illegally, adding Trump’s name

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal judge ruled this week that President Donald Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center illegally. The...

Newark airport dispute risks major hit to US tourism

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. travel industry is warning that any move to halt the processing of international passengers and cargo at...

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...

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

GENEVA, Switzerland: On average, eleven children have been killed or injured every 24 hours in Lebanon over the past week, the U.N.'s...

New Glenn blast deals setback to Blue Origin ambitions

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: Blue Origin suffered a major setback in its effort to challenge SpaceX after an uncrewed New Glenn rocket...

Latin America

Section

AUKUS nations to partner on unmanned undersea vehicles by 2027

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

International

Canada’s citizenship rules encourage Americans to look there

Judge rules Kennedy Center board acted illegally, adding Trump’s name

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

Latin America

U.S. submits World Cup roster with Chris Richards still on team

The last exit from the Ukraine conflict may already be closing

Guillermo Ochoa makes Mexico's roster for record sixth World Cup

Watch RT tour giant Russian nuclear icebreaker on Arctic trade route

Martin Escobari and Nikhil Kamath Highlight Role Models as Key to India's Entrepreneurial Growth on People by WTF

Update: China ready to work with Brazil to further expand overall China-Latin America cooperation: Chinese FM

Movie Review

Testament [Blu-Ray]