The United Kingdom test-fired a U.S. torpedo from an uncrewed underwater vessel, marking a notable development for Euro-Atlantic security and enhancing NATO’s naval capabilities. This follows comments by the U.K.’s First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, regarding the needs for more warships and drones to secure the Atlantic. Jenkins emphasized that Russia presents the most significant threat currently with their advanced submarines and long-range precision weaponry.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced the successful launch of a heavyweight torpedo from a 40-foot-long undersea drone, named XV Excalibur. This marks the first instance of either the U.K. or U.S. deploying a torpedo from an uncrewed underwater vessel. The MOD highlighted the technological collaboration within the AUKUS alliance, which includes the U.S., U.K., and Australia.
Details of the XV Excalibur Trial
The MOD’s statement did not disclose the location or exact date of the trial. However, U.K. Minister of State for Defence, Luke Pollard, revealed the test occurred at a range off Scotland’s north coast. Navy Lookout indicated that XV Excalibur was sighted at Kyle of Lochalsh, hinting the trial probably occurred at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC), though confirmation is pending.
Pollard described this event as a critical step in transitioning towards a hybrid navy, which combines crewed ships with autonomous and uncrewed vessels. This advancement, Pollard stated, strengthens security in the North Atlantic against hostile entities like Russia.
EX Excalibur is an Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV), measuring 12 meters with a 19-tonne displacement. It holds the title of the largest uncrewed underwater vessel tested by the Royal Navy. The vessel, built by MSubs and developed through the Royal Navy’s Project Cetus, was unveiled at Devonport’s Royal Naval Base in May 2025.
The U.K. and Australia conducted a joint exercise with Excalibur in 2025 during Exercise Talisman Sabre, showcasing the potential for remote operation from centers in Australia. Despite lacking torpedo tubes, Excalibur features a substantial central payload bay, with possibilities for adaptations during trials, such as mounting torpedoes in cradles attached to the hull.
Understanding AUKUS
The recent trial reflects AUKUS’s collaborative military initiative involving Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., initiated in response to concerns about China within the Indo-Pacific region. Established on September 15, 2021, AUKUS consists of Pillar 1, focusing on Australia obtaining nuclear-powered submarines, and Pillar 2, which includes collaboration on undersea technologies, AI, and electronic warfare.
The first Pillar II project announced on May 30 embarks on developing systems and payloads for uncrewed undersea vehicles, emphasizing enhanced security measures. The Excalibur trial is a significant advancement within this strategic partnership, furthering Euro-Atlantic security.
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