US Torpedo Fired from British Sea Drone for First Time in AUKUS Test
The UK, US, and Australia successfully launched a torpedo from an unmanned underwater vehicle, marking a major step forward in submarine technology.
For the first time ever, a torpedo was fired from an unmanned underwater drone instead of a crewed submarine. The test happened in British waters last week and was carried out by the United Kingdom and the United States. It was done as part of AUKUS, a defence alliance between the UK, the US, and Australia. The UK government called it a major advance in the future of submarine technology.
The drone used in the test is called XV Excalibur. It is 12 metres long and was built in Britain. The torpedo it fired was developed together by the US and Australia. The UK government said the test delivers a significant breakthrough for Euro-Atlantic security and NATO's undersea advantage.
One of the most impressive parts of the test was how far away the control centre was. A team in Australia, more than 16,000 kilometres from where Excalibur was operating near Plymouth, England, took remote control of the drone. The British Royal Navy said this was a big step forward in the ability to operate uncrewed systems interchangeably with Australia. It showed that allies can work together even from opposite sides of the world.
Experts said the test was an important moment. Sidharth Kaushal, a senior researcher at a security think-tank called RUSI, said the test was noteworthy. He explained that firing a real weapon from a drone shows these unmanned vehicles can do much more than just spy or gather information. Western countries are working quickly to update their military technology with systems like these, partly because of growing threats from Russia and Iran.
The announcement came at an important time in world politics. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly when the news was released. He was set to meet US President Donald Trump for the first time since becoming the UK's leader in July. The two leaders were expected to discuss several big issues facing the world.
Mr Burnham planned to use his New York visit to push for more international teamwork on artificial intelligence, or AI. The UK government said he would announce a new AI and autonomy partnership with the US. This partnership would help protect important systems in the UK, like shipping lanes and airspace. Mr Burnham also confirmed that the UK will host the G20 summit in November 2027 in Manchester, a city in north-west England.
The employment of a lethal payload illustrates that uncrewed systems can play roles which extend beyond surveillance.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. What is the name of the British underwater drone used in the torpedo test?
2. Which three countries are part of the AUKUS alliance?
3. How far away was the Australian control centre from where Excalibur was operating?