AUKUS unveils 'signature' undersea drone development project
The US, Australia and the United Kingdom have unveiled a new 'signature' project to develop cutting-edge weapons systems and sensors for underwater drones, ABC News Australia reported. The move aims to reinvigorate AUKUS's technology pillar.
The United States, Australia and the United Kingdom have unveiled a new 'signature' project under the AUKUS security partnership to develop cutting-edge weapons systems and sensors for underwater unmanned platforms. ABC News Australia reports that the project aims to reinvigorate the second AUKUS pillar — advanced technology development — which has been seen as critical alongside submarine cooperation. According to the ministerial statement, the Tier 2 project will pull the defence-industry ecosystems of all three countries into joint R&D.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the project will 'reinforce AUKUS's role in the Pacific balance'. The roadmap, coordinated with the US Defense Department and UK Defence Secretary, targets common standards across autonomy, acoustic stealth, mine countermeasures and intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance. ASPI executive director Justin Bassi said the programme could deliver 'scalable returns for all three defence industries'.
A formal response from the People's Liberation Army is yet to be released; Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian has in past statements characterised similar programmes as 'undermining regional stability'. A statement emphasising common security architecture is expected from EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. This commentary is not personal investment advice.
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