The AUKUS nations have decided to intensify efforts to accelerate the development and integration of robotic and autonomous maritime systems in 2026, building on last year’s successful trials and technology demonstrations.
As informed, the exercises fall under AUKUS Pillar II and its Maritime Big Play program, which sees Australia, the UK, and the United States rapidly test and integrate autonomous systems within the greater maritime forces.
As part of the AUKUS defence agreement, further exercises will take place over the next 12 months, including live training scenarios to reflect real-world operations.
Each activity is working towards a cohesive trilateral fleet of uncrewed systems by advancing a shared approach to command-and-control software and developing a baseline for using an autonomous kit.
Furthermore, this year will see the nations continue to test and develop various technologies to support anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and seabed warfare.
Focal points for 2026 include:
“Maritime Big Play is enabling AUKUS nations to turbo charge the development of robotic and autonomous systems. Working tri-laterally brings together expertise from across the three nations and accelerates the readiness of these technologies to be incorporated within our forces,” Capt Keith Taylor , Maritime Big Play Senior Responsible Officer for the Royal Navy, said.
2025 exercises
A series of exercises held in 2025 laid the foundation for this year and increased operational experimentation across the three nations. It saw trials take place in Australia, Poland, Portugal and the United States.
During Exercise Talisman Sabre, an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle located in the UK was remotely operated by personnel based in Australia – demonstrating AUKUS ability to assume command of each other’s assets from across the world.