UK unveils new way to counter Russia with drone-launched torpedo
Photo: Excalibur underwater drone (facebook.com/royalnavy)
The United Kingdom conducted its first test launch of a heavy torpedo from an unmanned underwater vehicle. The test took place as part of the AUKUS defense partnership, according to The i Paper.
The United Kingdom conducted its first test launch of a heavy torpedo from an unmanned underwater vehicle. The test took place last week in British waters as part of the AUKUS partnership, which brings together the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
The torpedo was jointly developed by the US and Australia. It is designed to target ships and deep-diving submarines. Previously, such weapons were launched from manned submarines, but now they have been tested from an unmanned vehicle.
Excalibur's capabilities
The torpedo was launched from the 12-meter Excalibur unmanned underwater vehicle, built in Plymouth. It is currently undergoing a series of sea trials as part of a program to develop autonomous underwater technologies.
Excalibur belongs to the class of super-large unmanned underwater vehicles. During previous tests, it was already successfully controlled remotely from Australia, which is more than 10,000 miles from Plymouth.
The torpedo test is part of AUKUS's efforts to develop autonomous systems and new capabilities for underwater warfare. The British government has called the launch a significant breakthrough for Euro-Atlantic security and NATO's underwater capabilities.
The development of such technologies is also linked to the task of protecting British undersea infrastructure, including cables and pipelines. Officials in London have cited threats from hostile states and the need to strengthen control over critical facilities on the seabed.
General Dynamics Land Systems-UK and ARX Robotics UK have joined forces to develop autonomous support technologies, which they plan to integrate into the Ajax armored vehicle.
