Australia has committed 6.2 million Australian dollars ($4.3 million) in contracts to three companies to develop advanced communications technologies for autonomous undersea vehicles under the AUKUS partnership.
Through the country’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, the contracts were awarded to BAE Systems Australia, L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Australia, and Mission Systems Pty Ltd.
Under the program, the companies will develop technologies that enable uncrewed underwater vehicles to communicate more effectively with command-and-control systems while improving their navigation.
These capabilities are intended to support the safe coordination of autonomous underwater operations, including missions to protect critical undersea infrastructure and secure maritime areas.
Another objective is to improve interoperability among Australia, the UK, and the US by enabling autonomous underwater systems from the three AUKUS partners to operate more effectively together.
Prototype technologies are expected to be demonstrated by the end of this year.
AUKUS Pillar II
The project is part of AUKUS Pillar II, the technology cooperation arm of the Australia-UK-US security partnership.
Pillar I provides Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar II centers on joint advanced technology development.
Pillar II focuses include AI, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, cyber, and electronic warfare.
In May, the three countries launched the first AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project, which aims to develop common payloads and enabling technologies for uncrewed undersea vehicles.
By standardizing key technologies across the three fleets, the project aims to simplify joint operations and expand the use of autonomous undersea vehicles for surveillance, seabed infrastructure protection, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures.
Initial capability deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
