AUKUS nations test systems during Autonomous Warrior 24

The UK, the US, and Australia (AUKUS) have conducted tests of various autonomous and networked platforms during Exercise Autonomous Warrior 2024 in Australia.

These exercises, part of the AUKUS defense partnership, aimed to improve interoperability and showcase control over each nation’s naval assets.

During the 'Maritime Big Play' series, around 30 autonomous platforms were evaluated.

The trials took place in Jervis Bay on Australia’s east coast and were a key part of the broader Exercise Autonomous Warrior.

Participants deployed uncrewed aerial vehicles, vessels, submersibles, and submarine-hunting sonobuoys.

The UK Royal Navy enhanced its collaboration with allies in managing autonomous and uncrewed systems, testing its Strike Net system, which allows remote control of equipment across the three navies.

This system was trialed alongside various other technologies deployed at sea to assess their effectiveness in realistic scenarios.

The Australian contingent introduced the Bluebottle, an autonomous vessel outfitted with advanced sensors for environmental surveying.

Data collected during these exercises was shared and analyzed by participants from all three AUKUS countries to create a comprehensive tactical picture for informed decision-making in potential conflict situations.

Additionally, the UK tested the SONIX system, which processes information from sonobuoys to detect and track enemy submarines.

Rear Admiral James Parkin, Director of Royal Navy Develop, stated: “This exercise has unlocked the potential of autonomous and uncrewed systems that will enhance the mass, persistence, and lethality of the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and US Navy.”

The Maritime Big Play series, held during Autonomous Warrior, was the first AUKUS exercise conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

This followed earlier trials in Portugal, where the Royal Navy demonstrated its capability to control an Australian vessel during the international REPMUS exercise.

Schiebel, in partnership with Thales, showcased the CAMCOPTER S-100's maritime capabilities during the NATO-supported REPMUS 2024 exercise.

Representatives from Japan also observed the Maritime Big Play activities, reflecting discussions on enhancing interoperability with Japan's maritime autonomous systems under AUKUS Pillar Two.