# Royal Navy Launches US Mk 48 Torpedo from Uncrewed Submersible

The Royal Navy successfully conducted a launch of the U.S. Navy Mk 48 Heavyweight Torpedo from its Excalibur uncrewed underwater vehicle at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Centre in Scotland. This milestone under the AUKUS Pillar 2 agreement demonstrates interoperability and weapon interchangeability between allied autonomous underwater platforms. It validates the concept of integrating weapons, payloads, and mission architectures across allied forces, supporting the ongoing development of Project CUTLASS to enhance uncrewed undersea warfare capabilities.

- This event signals increased collaboration and standardization among allied navies, particularly the Royal Navy, U.S. Navy, and Royal Australian Navy, which may influence future procurement requirements for interoperable autonomous systems.
- Defense contractors and technology providers, such as Anduril involved in Project CUTLASS, should consider opportunities to support evolving uncrewed underwater vehicle platforms and integrated weapons systems.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate specifications emphasizing cross-platform compatibility and modular payload integration in upcoming solicitations related to undersea autonomous warfare.
- This development highlights a strategic shift toward leveraging autonomous systems to increase operational flexibility and combat power, which may drive investment in related technologies and support services.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Royal Navy
- U.S. Navy
- Royal Australian Navy

### Vendors
- Anduril (platform provider for Project CUTLASS)

### Key Quotes
> Proving that we can seamlessly launch a U.S. heavyweight torpedo from a Royal Navy autonomous underwater vehicle validates our shared vision for true interchangeability. By integrating weapons, payloads, and mission architectures across allied platforms, we are increasing the flexibility, scale, and combat power of our combined forces and ensuring they are ready to meet the strategic demands of tomorrow.
> — Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations

### Sources
- [Royal Navy successfully launches US Mk 48 torpedo from uncrewed submersible ](https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-military/2026/09/22/royal-navy-successfully-launches-us-mk-48-torpedo-from-uncrewed-submersible) - Defense News