# AUKUS Partners Test Autonomous Maritime Systems

The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia tested more than 40 autonomous and uncrewed technologies during Maritime Big Play, spanning anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and cross-platform data sharing. Separately, a UK-led effort is developing three undersea sensor payloads for unmanned systems—a synthetic aperture sonar, a deployable anti-submarine warfare sensor, and a deployable non-kinetic effector—with availability to AUKUS partners expected in 2027. The activity signals continued allied development and testing of uncrewed maritime capabilities, but the signal does not identify contract awards, values, or solicitation details.

- Contractors with sonar, undersea sensing, autonomy, and systems-integration capabilities can use the tested mission areas and planned payloads to assess their fit for potential follow-on procurement.
- The testing of more than 40 technologies and emphasis on cross-platform data sharing point to interoperability as a relevant consideration for suppliers proposing systems to the three AUKUS partners.
- The 2027 expected availability provides a program milestone for industry planning; no specific solicitation or proposal deadline is identified.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- Royal Navy
- United States Navy (US Navy)
- UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)

### Sources
- [AUKUS partners test autonomous systems as Europe weighs maritime surveillance needs - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/aukus-partners-test-autonomous-systems-as-europe-weighs-maritime-surveillance-needs) - Breaking Defense