US torpedo test-fired from UK sea drone for first time: London

London announced on Monday that the United States and Britain have successfully test-fired a torpedo from an unmanned undersea vehicle for the first time, marking a significant advancement in submarine technology for the three nations involved in the AUKUS alliance with Australia. The live firing took place in UK waters last week, according to a statement from the UK government.

The heavyweight torpedo, jointly developed by the US and Australia, was launched from a 12-meter long undersea drone named Excalibur, manufactured in Britain. This development, described as noteworthy by Sidharth Kaushal, a senior research fellow at the RUSI think-tank, illustrates that uncrewed systems can perform roles beyond surveillance.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he is set to meet President Donald Trump for the first time since taking office in July. During his trip, Burnham will announce a new AI and autonomy partnership with the US to protect critical national infrastructure, including sea lanes and airspace. Burnham also confirmed that Britain will host the G20 summit in November 2027 in Manchester.