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AUKUS announces first Pillar Two signature project: cutting-edge payloads for undersea drones backed by eighty million dollars
Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have agreed on the first signature project under AUKUS Pillar Two at the Shangri-La Dialogue, committing to develop advanced payloads for uncrewed undersea vehicles including Australia's Ghost Shark platform.
Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have agreed on the first signature project under AUKUS Pillar Two at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The three nations will develop cutting-edge payloads and enabling systems for uncrewed undersea vehicles, backed by around eighty million dollars from Australia alone.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the announcement as the most significant moment yet for Pillar Two. The project will put capability into the hands of warfighters by next year, building on Australia's Ghost Shark platform, the leading large, long-range undersea uncrewed vehicle.
On Pillar One, the ministers confirmed the nuclear-powered submarine programme remains on track, with the Submarine Rotation Force West to be established by the end of next year. The United States is already selecting personnel to deploy to Australia as part of the rotation.
A significant development on the submarine pathway was also announced: Australia will acquire Virginia-class submarines all of the same type, simplifying fleet operations, training and sustainment. Marles said the move chases simplicity and delivers meaningful cost savings across the programme.
The AUKUS defence ministers also held the first trilateral meeting with Japan and New Zealand, and a Five Power Defence Arrangements ministerial meeting. Marles noted the Shangri-La Dialogue has become one of the leading global gatherings for defence ministers.