‘A step-change’: tech firms battle for undersea dominance with submarine drones

<p>As navies seek to counter submarines and protect cables, startups and big defence companies fight to lead market</p><p>Flying drones used during the Ukraine war have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/06/drones-evolving-technology-at-ukraine-conflict-heart">changed land battle tactics</a> for ever. Now the same thing appears to be happening under the sea.</p><p>Navies around the world are racing to add autonomous submarines. The UK’s Royal Navy is planning a fleet of underwater uncrewed vehicles (UUVs) which will, for the first time, take a leading role in tracking submarines and protecting undersea cables and pipelines. Australia has committed to spending $1.7bn (£1.3bn) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/10/ghost-shark-submarine-drone-australian-navy-explainer">on “Ghost Shark” submarines</a> to counter Chinese submarines. The huge US Navy is spending billions on several UUV projects, including one already in use that can be launched from nuclear submarines.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/28/tech-submarine-drones-startups-big-defence-companies">Continue reading...</a>