The United States, United Kingdom and Australia will develop unmanned underwater drone technology under their AUKUS military partnership, with delivery of the vehicles expected by 2027.

The underwater drones are being developed as part of the broader AUKUS defense pact between the three nations. The technology is designed to enhance naval defense capabilities and protect critical undersea infrastructure.

According to reports, one key application for the unmanned vessels will be protecting undersea cables, which carry vital internet and telecommunications traffic between continents. These cables represent critical infrastructure vulnerable to disruption or sabotage.

The AUKUS partnership was established in 2021 as a trilateral security alliance focused on the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement has primarily been known for plans to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, but also encompasses broader defense technology cooperation.

The development of unmanned undersea vehicles represents an expansion of the alliance's technological cooperation beyond submarines to include autonomous maritime systems. The 2027 timeline suggests the project is moving from planning to active development phases.