Hegseth: AUKUS Advances Underwater Drone Program with US, UK, and Australia

Central News Agency, Singapore, May 30. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters today that the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are collaborating to develop unmanned underwater vehicles as part of their AUKUS defense pact. According to Reuters, this project falls under the 'second pillar' of AUKUS, which aims to develop advanced defense technologies such as quantum computing, underwater warfare, hypersonics, AI, and cyber capabilities. Hegseth stated, 'This flagship program will introduce a series of highly adaptable, multi-mission UUV payload systems to support underwater warfare and maintain our shared advantage in the maritime domain.' AUKUS was established in 2021 to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. UK Defense Secretary John Healey said, 'This will allow our forces to rapidly acquire the most advanced battlefield technology while working together to develop various cutting-edge sensors and weapon systems for underwater drones.'