Britain and the United States have test-fired a heavyweight torpedo from an uncrewed undersea vessel for the first time, according to an announcement by the British government. The live firing took place in UK waters as part of the AUKUS alliance with Australia, marking a major step in modernizing military capabilities with autonomous systems amid mounting security threats from Russia and Iran.
Inside the AUKUS Autonomous Torpedo Test
The milestone test utilized a 12-metre-long undersea drone manufactured in Britain named XV Excalibur, according to the British government. The system deployed a heavyweight torpedo jointly developed by the United States and Australia. Operating centers more than 16,000 kilometres away in Australia took remote control of the vessel during the exercise, which the British Royal Navy described as a significant advancement in operating uncrewed systems interchangeably.
Did you know?
The UK and Australia previously carried out a joint test-drive of the Excalibur drone in 2025 during Exercise Talisman Sabre.
Strategic Shifts in Undersea Defense Capabilities
Western armed forces are rapidly expanding their autonomous war-fighting capabilities to counter growing security pressures from nations like Russia and Iran. Sidharth Kaushal, a senior research fellow at the RUSI think-tank, told the Agence France-Presse news agency that the test was particularly noteworthy because employing a lethal payload proves uncrewed systems can handle missions far beyond routine surveillance.
This trial aligns with broader alliance objectives. The UK, US, and Australia previously unveiled a signature project aimed at developing cutting-edge weapon systems and specialized sensors specifically for underwater drones.
AI Partnerships and Global Diplomacy at the UN
The defense announcement coincided with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham traveling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. According to government statements, this marks Burnham’s first meeting with US President Donald Trump since taking office in July.
During the summit, Burnham plans to introduce a new artificial intelligence and autonomy partnership with the US designed to safeguard critical national infrastructure spanning sea lanes and airspace. Burnham noted that international cooperation remains essential because foreign conflicts directly impact domestic security. Additionally, the British government confirmed that the UK will host the G20 summit in November 2027 in Manchester.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was tested during the recent AUKUS exercise?
According to the British government, the US and Australia test-fired a jointly developed heavyweight torpedo from an uncrewed British undersea drone named XV Excalibur.
Where did the remote operation take place?
While the live firing occurred in UK waters, an operating center in Australia took remote control of the vessel located over 16,000 kilometres away.
What is the purpose of the new US-UK AI partnership?
Announced by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the United Nations General Assembly, the partnership aims to help protect critical national infrastructure, including sea lanes and airspace.
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