Huge 'robot submarine' used by Royal Navy fires torpedo at target in 'pivotal moment' for force

A large ‘robot submarine’ that can sail by itself has fired a torpedo for the first time in landmark Royal Navy trials.

XV Excalibur, commissioned into the fleet in December last year, completed its first weapons trial off the coast of Scotland this week. The Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vessel (XLUUV) successfully launched a US Navy Mk48 Mod 4 Heavyweight Torpedo near the Kyle of Lochalsh.

First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said: “These trials mark a pivotal moment for AUKUS and show what the UK, Australia and the United States can achieve together. In just six months, British and American teams, supported by industry, have delivered a credible fighting capability – one that also shows just how far we have come with the Hybrid Navy. XV Excalibur is a powerful example of how uncrewed vessels, combined with our crewed warships and submarines, will deliver greater combat power beneath the waves, while also reducing the risk to our people.”

The trial became a reality in just six months and was completed as part of work under the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the UK and USA. The partnership aims to develop advanced military capabilities, as well as acquiring nuclear-powered submarines from Australia.

Sign up for The Week in Defence with Freddie Webb - our newsletter rounding up the sector’s must-read stories

This launch is the first in a series of trials initiated by the US. Gradually increasing in scope, the tests will contribute to making torpedo-launching un-crewed vessels becoming operational around the world. Project Broadsword saw XV Excalibur undertake various trials.

The three week experiment saw a recoverable version of the heavyweight torpedo fired at targets. Weighing more than one and a half tonnes and measuring nearly six metres long, the Mk48 is designed to destroy adversary submarines and warships. it’s already being used by half a dozen navies around the world.

Lieutenant Commander David Iwanek, the UK trial director, said: “The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated – this paves the way for a step change in underwater lethality, and shows how Navy Capability is planning to deliver new capabilities to the fleet.”