AUKUS, uncrewed submarines, and control at sea

AUKUS cooperation extends beyond nuclear-powered submarines to large uncrewed underwater systems. Possible Australian uses include minelaying and intelligence gathering, while British experiments include firing a torpedo from an uncrewed vehicle. Exercise success leaves questions about the distance and supporting systems needed to maintain control. US efforts to increase Virginia-class production expose a further constraint on delivering the submarine plans. The proposed missions remain tentative, and exercise success alone does not establish how the vehicles could be controlled at operational distances.