The UK test-fired a US torpedo from an undersea drone in a significant demonstration of maritime defence cooperation ahead of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump in New York. The successful trial marks a technological milestone for the AUKUS partnership, strengthening collaboration between the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia on next-generation submarine and autonomous defence capabilities.
The announcement came as Burnham arrived in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where security, artificial intelligence, Ukraine, and developments in West Asia are expected to dominate discussions with international leaders.
Historic AUKUS Undersea Drone Test
According to Downing Street, the trial took place in UK waters last week using Excalibur, a 12-metre autonomous underwater vehicle designed and manufactured in Plymouth. During the exercise, the drone successfully launched a US-developed heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo, becoming the first uncrewed vessel from either the UK or the US to fire such a weapon.
The torpedo, jointly developed through cooperation involving the United States and Australia, is designed to engage deep-diving submarines and surface vessels. Until now, similar weapons had traditionally been launched only from crewed submarines.
Officials described the test as a major advance in autonomous submarine technology and an important step toward enhancing NATO's undersea capabilities across the Euro-Atlantic region.
AUKUS Partnership Expands Maritime Innovation
The successful launch reinforces the long-term objectives of the AUKUS programme, the trilateral security partnership focused on developing advanced attack submarines, autonomous underwater systems, and emerging defence technologies.
Alongside nuclear-powered submarine development, AUKUS continues investing in autonomous maritime platforms capable of operating in challenging underwater environments. Defence leaders say these technologies are intended to strengthen deterrence, improve interoperability among allied forces, and support future maritime security operations.
The Excalibur demonstration highlights the growing role of uncrewed systems within modern naval strategy while showcasing British engineering expertise in underwater autonomous vehicles.
Burnham Begins High-Level Talks at UNGA
Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in New York ahead of meetings with President Donald Trump and other world leaders during the United Nations General Assembly. Before the visit, Burnham emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared global challenges.
He said the UK would seek closer partnerships on artificial intelligence, economic growth, international security, and efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine and stability across the Middle East. Burnham also argued that rapidly advancing technologies should be harnessed responsibly to improve public safety and strengthen national resilience.
UK and US Launch New AI and Autonomy Partnership
Alongside defence cooperation at sea, the UK government announced plans to begin work on a new AI and Autonomy Partnership with the United States.
The initiative will bring together the UK's Ministry of Defence Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce and the US Department of War's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of trusted and interoperable AI capabilities that enhance critical infrastructure protection, improve defence readiness, and strengthen technological cooperation between both nations.
Government officials said the partnership reflects a broader commitment to using artificial intelligence responsibly while maintaining security and innovation leadership.
Manchester to Host the 2027 G20 Leaders' Summit
During his visit, Burnham also confirmed that Manchester will host the 2027 G20 Leaders' Summit, with events planned across the United Kingdom throughout the country's year-long G20 Presidency.
The summit is expected to bring together the world's largest economies to discuss global growth, economic resilience, technological innovation, and international security. Regional events held across the UK are intended to ensure broader national participation during the presidency.
A New Phase of UK-US Strategic Cooperation
The UK test-fired a US torpedo from an undersea drone at a pivotal moment for transatlantic defence cooperation. Combined with new initiatives on artificial intelligence, autonomous technologies, and the upcoming G20 Presidency, the announcements underscore the UK's focus on strengthening strategic partnerships while advancing next-generation security and innovation capabilities.