15:10Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
US and UK Launch Heavy Torpedo from Underwater Robot for the First Time
The US Navy and the British Royal Navy have successfully launched an “Mk 48” heavy torpedo from an uncrewed underwater vehicle for the first time. The test was conducted in Scotland on September 13 using an autonomous underwater vehicle called “XV Excalibur.” This marked the first successful launch of the US-made torpedo from an uncrewed robotic underwater platform. A test torpedo was used instead of live ammunition.
The test was conducted as part of the “AUKUS” partnership, under which the US, UK and Australia are developing advanced defense technologies. The result showed that the US-made torpedo had been adapted to the British platform mechanically, electrically and in terms of software. “Project Broadsword” was approved in February 2026, and a real-world test was conducted just 7 months later. The “Mk 48” is a heavy torpedo used by the submarine forces of the US and several allied countries. Weighing approximately 1680 kg, the weapon is designed to sink deep-diving submarines and high-speed surface ships. These torpedoes are usually launched by submarines with crews of 100-140 people. The “XV Excalibur” does not have conventional torpedo tubes. Engineers therefore attached the weapon externally to a special device beneath the hull.
The British “XV Excalibur” operates without a crew and can move autonomously or be controlled remotely. In 2025, the Royal Navy controlled the vehicle from a command center in Australia. At the time, the vehicle was approximately 16 090 km away in British waters. Before the torpedo test, “XV Excalibur” was used as a mobile underwater laboratory to test new technologies, as well as equipment and weapons it could carry in the future. Following the successful test, the partners will continue the work through “Project CUTLASS.” The “Anduril Dive-XL” platform will be used in the next phase. The tests will examine how more sophisticated equipment and weapons can be integrated with the platform, as well as the control system and ways it could be used in combat conditions. The goal is to better prepare uncrewed underwater systems for real-world operations.
The test was conducted as part of the “AUKUS” partnership, under which the US, UK and Australia are developing advanced defense technologies. The result showed that the US-made torpedo had been adapted to the British platform mechanically, electrically and in terms of software. “Project Broadsword” was approved in February 2026, and a real-world test was conducted just 7 months later. The “Mk 48” is a heavy torpedo used by the submarine forces of the US and several allied countries. Weighing approximately 1680 kg, the weapon is designed to sink deep-diving submarines and high-speed surface ships. These torpedoes are usually launched by submarines with crews of 100-140 people. The “XV Excalibur” does not have conventional torpedo tubes. Engineers therefore attached the weapon externally to a special device beneath the hull. The British “XV Excalibur” operates without a crew and can move autonomously or be controlled remotely. In 2025, the Royal Navy controlled the vehicle from a command center in Australia. At the time, the vehicle was approximately 16 090 km away in British waters. Before the torpedo test, “XV Excalibur” was used as a mobile underwater laboratory to test new technologies, as well as equipment and weapons it could carry in the future. Following the successful test, the partners will continue the work through “Project CUTLASS.” The “Anduril Dive-XL” platform will be used in the next phase. The tests will examine how more sophisticated equipment and weapons can be integrated with the platform, as well as the control system and ways it could be used in combat conditions. The goal is to better prepare uncrewed underwater systems for real-world operations.