U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the AUKUS pact will focus on developing unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) to improve reconnaissance and strike capabilities among the three nations. The vehicles are part of AUKUS's 'Pillar Two' initiative, which aims to advance defense technologies including quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
The program is designed to enhance anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities, as well as address threats to underwater infrastructure. British Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the urgency of delivering advanced battlefield technologies through this collaboration, particularly in light of China's growing military presence in the region.
The development of these UUVs is seen as a critical step in maintaining maritime superiority and responding effectively to emerging threats