Key facts
- The AUKUS pact will develop unmanned undersea vehicles.
- Deliveries of these vehicles are scheduled to commence in 2027.
- The program aims to improve reconnaissance, strike capabilities, and superiority in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
- This initiative falls under AUKUS's 'Pillar Two' for advanced defense technology development.
- The vehicles are intended to support undersea operations and maintain a collective advantage in the maritime domain.
The AUKUS security pact, formed in 2021 by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aims to deepen security cooperation and enhance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. This development of unmanned undersea vehicles is part of their 'Pillar Two' initiative focused on advanced defense technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and cyber technology. The pact is seen as an effort to counter China's growing influence in the region.