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US, UK, Australia launch £150 m cable-guard drones by 2027

5/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S., U.K. and Australian defence ministers announced at a Singapore summit they will develop underwater vehicles to protect undersea cables, ready by 2027.
The United Kingdom pledged £150 million ($201 million) for the programme.
The drones will carry sensors, weapons and payloads for surveillance, strike and logistics, boosting deterrence in the Pacific, Atlantic and High-North.
Ministers did not confirm if the effort targets Russian or Chinese activity and avoided comment on Aukus progress.

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Story summary

U.S., U.K. and Australian defence ministers announced at a Singapore summit they will develop underwater vehicles to protect undersea cables, ready by 2027.
The United Kingdom pledged £150 million ($201 million) for the programme.
The drones will carry sensors, weapons and payloads for surveillance, strike and logistics, boosting deterrence in the Pacific, Atlantic and High-North.
Ministers did not confirm if the effort targets Russian or Chinese activity and avoided comment on Aukus progress.