United Kingdom Shows Ability to Control Excalibur Submarine Drone From ‘Other Side of the World’.

Aug 2025 : The British Royal Navy has achieved a technological first: taking control of a submarine drone from another continent. The vessel behind this milestone is Excalibur, the navy’s first extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV), weighing over 19 tons (41,887 pounds) and stretching 12 metres (39 feet).

Controlled from an operating center in Australia, the trial demonstrated that the platform could be directed even when more than 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers) away from its home port. “This exercise demonstrates how we are exploiting the learning from our experimentation, by applying it to the Royal Navy’s growing arsenal of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles”, said Royal Navy Captain Keith Taylor.

The test ran under the AUKUS Pillar II framework, which is all about experimenting with cutting-edge defense technology. Building on the earlier Pillar I program, focused on nuclear submarines, this exercise put undersea vehicles to the test for long-distance operations. AUKUS members have also confirmed Japan’s participation in the maritime tests, exploring additional ways to improve naval autonomous systems.

Excalibur is built for extended, independent operations, capable of executing advanced underwater missions without a crew onboard, largely due to its modular framework, the submarine drone can be configured for different mission needs. It is also driven by an electric propulsion system, making the platform ideal for covert intelligence tasks. Inside, a suite of acoustic sensors and encrypted communication channels keeps operators connected and in control, while XLUUV navigates underwater.

“The trials and testing will contribute significantly to the Royal Navy’s constant efforts to remain ahead of potential foes beneath the waves, safeguarding key infrastructure, protecting British and allied ships and submarines, and gathering intelligence”, the service said in May.

“The recent XLUUV exercise was a big step forward in our ability to operate uncrewed systems interchangeably with Australia”, Royal Navy Commodore Marcus Rose added.

Team Maverick