The UK, the US and Australia (AUKUS) have tested several autonomous and networked platforms during Exercise Autonomous Warrior 2024 in Australia. 

The exercises, part of the AUKUS defence partnership, aimed to enhance interoperability and demonstrate control over each other's naval assets. 

During the 'Maritime Big Play' exercise series, approximately 30 autonomous platforms were tested.  

The trials took place in Jervis Bay on Australia's east coast and were a component of the larger Exercise Autonomous Warrior.  

The event saw a deployment of uncrewed air vehicles, uncrewed vessels, submersibles, and submarine-hunting sonobuoys. 

The UK Royal Navy bolstered its ability to work alongside allies in managing autonomous and uncrewed systems. Its Strike Net system was tested, which enables remote control of equipment across the three nations' navies.  

This system was tested alongside various other technologies sent out to sea to evaluate their practical use in realistic scenarios.  

The Australian contingent deployed the Bluebottle, an autonomous vessel equipped with advanced sensors for environmental surveying. 

The data gathered during these exercises was shared and analysed by participants from all three AUKUS countries to construct a detailed tactical picture for informed decision-making in potential conflict situations.  

In addition, the UK tested SONIX, an anti-submarine warfare system that processes information from sonobuoys to detect and track enemy submarines. 

Royal Navy Director Develop rear admiral James Parkin said: “This exercise has unlocked the potential of autonomous and uncrewed systems that will increase the mass, persistence and lethality of the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the US Navy.” 

The Maritime Big Play series, conducted against the backdrop of Autonomous Warrior, marked the first AUKUS exercise in the Indo-Pacific.  

It comes after the earlier trials in Portugal, where the Royal Navy showcased its ability to control an Australian vessel during the international REPMUS exercise. 

In a demonstration of the CAMCOPTER S-100's maritime capabilities, Schiebel, in partnership with Thales, participated in the NATO-supported REPMUS 2024 exercise.  

In addition, representatives from Japan observed the Maritime Big Play activities, following discussions on boosting interoperability with Japan's maritime autonomous systems under AUKUS Pillar Two.