Australia’s defence industry is quietly working on a new generation of autonomous underwater drones that could redefine naval strategy worldwide. Developed under the AUKUS security pact, these drones are designed to strengthen national security while raising debates about risks, funding, and pace of progress.
From Whale Monitoring to Military Intelligence
In a warehouse south of Perth, rows of bright yellow drones are being built by Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems. Originally developed to monitor whale migration patterns and assist the offshore gas industry, these unmanned vehicles may soon serve a very different purpose: covert defence operations.
Equipped with acoustic sensors, the drones can detect whale vocalisations and help companies reduce noise pollution during migration. But with their unique ability to operate for three to four months on a single charge, change buoyancy instead of using propellers, and even land on the seabed, they are equally suited to monitoring naval activity in contested waters.
“We can go to places where other naval or air force assets can’t - and very quietly, gather intelligence,” said Mike Deeks, a former submarine commander now leading the company.
AUKUS and the Role of Underwater Drones
The drones are being developed under Pillar 2 of AUKUS, which focuses on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and autonomous systems. While Pillar 1 covers nuclear-powered submarines, experts argue that Pillar 2 isn’t receiving the same level of urgency or funding.
“Pillar 2 is in some ways the poorer cousin of Pillar 1,” Deeks admitted. Malcolm Davis, a defence analyst from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, echoed this concern: “We are not moving fast enough on either pillar. Risk aversion and caution are slowing the deployment of these technologies.”
The Future of Naval Warfare
Defence experts suggest that armed underwater drones could soon operate in tandem with nuclear-powered submarines. Swarms of drones, numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, could monitor, track, and potentially engage adversaries without risking human lives.
“The future undersea battlespace will combine nuclear-powered submarines with autonomous underwater drone capabilities,” Davis explained. “This mix will expand Australia’s reach and resilience in naval operations.”
Strategic Promise, Lingering Risks
Supporters argue the drones offer Australia an affordable way to expand its surveillance and strike capabilities. Critics, however, warn that delays in development and limited investment in Pillar 2 could leave the country vulnerable. Additionally, activists in Western Australia have raised concerns about the nuclear risks associated with the broader AUKUS deal.
As Australia weighs a $10 billion investment in these technologies, the question remains: will underwater drones revolutionize global naval warfare, or will slow timelines and funding shortfalls blunt their impact?
The answer may shape the future of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific for decades to come.
