IRIA News

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The AUKUS partner countries have successfully tested advanced autonomous maritime systems as part of the Maritime Big Play (MBP) initiative. The tests conducted by the trilateral partnership between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, aim to bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the latest MBP test, the three nations tested the Multi-Domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) architecture, which is designed to allow seamless communication and coordination across various unmanned systems and operational environments.

The U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu, remarked on the significance of such initiatives, noting that they “create economies of scale” and reduce operational costs across acquisition, maintenance, and training.

The MBP initiative has led to the deployment of a diverse array of new technologies. The systems include software-defined acoustic modems, which enable secure underwater communication, and unmanned surface and underwater vehicles designed for sustained operations with minimal manpower. These technologies offer a robust and scalable foundation for future AUKUS initiatives, enhancing the ability of allied forces to monitor and control large maritime areas autonomously.

AUKUS Pillar Il is delivering cutting edge autonomous maritime technology.

The Maritime Big Play in Australia has showcased next generation AUKUS technologies that will support operations from deep under water to the edge of space. pic.twitter.com/3q9Z26rjyw

— Kevin Rudd AC (@AmboRudd) October 25, 2024

For instance, the T-200 high-altitude balloons tested during the Autonomous Warrior exercise provide resilient communication links in denied environments, ensuring continued connectivity even under potential adversary interference.

Additionally, the Common Control System (CCS) allows for seamless interoperability among different types of unmanned vehicles across the allied nations, allowing for greater flexibility in deploying and managing uncrewed assets.

The primary objectives of the AUKUS initiative, as outlined by Madeline Mortelmans, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities, are to “strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific” and create a “more capable, more combined force of the future.”

To achieve this, AUKUS is developing a networked defense architecture that integrates cutting-edge capabilities across multiple domains, from underwater to the upper stratosphere. The three nations are collaborating to develop and deploy advanced technology, such as uncrewed maritime systems and software-defined network architectures, which are intended to improve situational awareness, expand operational reach, and ensure interoperability among allied forces.

According to Mortelmans, another critical component of Pillar 2’s strategy is the International Joint Requirements Oversight Council (I-JROC), a forum where the three nations identify joint requirements for future systems and technologies.

This council helps ensure that new capabilities are developed with a shared vision, allowing for smoother integration and interoperability. It also underscores the strategic intent behind AUKUS to make joint investments that benefit the entire alliance, ultimately ensuring a more resilient and agile defense capability.

The AUKUS alliance was conceived in 2021 to strengthen the military and technological capabilities of the three partner nations, allowing them to act in concert in response to security concerns in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership has explicitly stated that it aims to deter aggression in the region, ensuring that allies and partners can operate autonomously and make sovereign decisions without the risk of coercion.

Pillar 1: Advanced nuclear-powered submarines

AUKUS’s Pillar 1 is centered on delivering a nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia, marking a significant strategic shift for a country that has traditionally relied on conventional submarines. This shift will give Australia a potent, stealthy, and highly capable maritime force capable of patrolling vast stretches of the Pacific. The development of nuclear-powered submarines represents a major leap in Australia’s naval capabilities, with an anticipated impact on the regional balance of power.

However, beyond the tangible military advantages, the nuclear submarine initiative is also seen as a symbolic commitment of the United States and the United Kingdom to ensure a stronger and more resilient Australian defense posture. The acquisition process is complex and will span over several years, reflecting both the logistical challenges and the sensitivity around nuclear technology sharing. The objective remains to build a fleet capable of bolstering Australia’s security and that of the Indo-Pacific region at large.

Pillar 2: Emerging technologies and networked autonomy

While the nuclear-powered submarines of Pillar 1 are pivotal, AUKUS’s second pillar emphasizes an even broader range of cutting-edge technologies. Under Pillar 2, the three nations are working on initiatives involving artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber security, and autonomous systems. A focal point of this effort is the Maritime Big Play (MBP) initiative, which involves large-scale, trilateral exercises designed to test new capabilities in real-world conditions.

The latest of these exercises, held at the Autonomous Warrior 24 event in Australia, demonstrated these technologies’ potential. This event saw the deployment of various unmanned systems, ranging from undersea drones to high-altitude communication balloons. According to Mortelmans, these technologies help build “a more capable combined joint force for the future,” providing the three nations with a significant tactical advantage.

Through exercises such as the Autonomous Warrior, AUKUS is not only demonstrating its technological advancements but also signaling its commitment to regional stability. The presence of Japanese observers at the recent event underscores the potential for broader collaboration, as Japan, a significant regional ally, actively seeks to enhance its defense capabilities amid increasing regional tensions. According to Shyu, “AUKUS partners have long histories of working together on defense and security issues, and have deep, enduring partnerships based on shared values.”

Strategic implications

The AUKUS MBP represents a forward-looking approach that emphasizes flexibility, interoperability, and technological innovation. While the alliance will face challenges in maintaining momentum and addressing technological barriers, the outcomes of recent experiments demonstrate a clear path forward. With Japan potentially expanding its involvement and further events on the horizon, the AUKUS framework is expected to become even more robust in the years to come.

For the three nations involved, AUKUS is not merely a defense pact but a strategic commitment to preserving peace and stability in one of the world’s most contested regions.