UK Tests Excalibur Drone in Long-Distance Trial

The United Kingdom has successfully completed a groundbreaking trial of the Excalibur extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV), demonstrating its ability to be remotely controlled from halfway around the world.

The test took place during the Talisman Sabre exercises, part of the AUKUS Pillar II programme involving the UK, United States, and Australia. For the first time, a British underwater drone was operated from a control centre in Australia while the vehicle itself was located in British waters near HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth. The distance between the drone and its controllers exceeded 10,000 miles.

Rear Admiral James Parkin highlighted the significance of the test, noting that the Excalibur can travel up to 1,000 miles on a single mission and dive deeper than the Royal Navy’s manned submarines. He stressed that while the system is not intended for combat, it serves as a critical test platform to refine operational tactics and inform future defence planning.

Measuring 12 metres in length and weighing around 21 tons, the Excalibur drone represents the latest step in the UK’s investment in autonomous maritime technologies. The government has already committed several billion pounds to the development of strike drones, citing lessons learned from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.

The AUKUS partnership, formed in 2021, aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of the three member nations and strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Joint exercises such as this trial are designed to test the practical deployment of advanced autonomous systems in scenarios involving long-distance coordination.

In addition to maritime innovations, the UK has also partnered with Ukraine on the joint production of strike drones. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernise defence capabilities while sharing technological advancements with allied nations.

Defence Secretary John Gillie welcomed the results of the Excalibur trial, calling it an important milestone in preparing the Royal Navy for future challenges. “This achievement shows how advanced autonomous systems can extend the reach of our forces while enhancing cooperation with key partners,” he said.

The success of the Excalibur trial marks a significant step in demonstrating how emerging defence technologies can be integrated across international alliances. As the UK continues to expand its investment in drone systems, further tests and deployments are expected in the coming years.