AUKUS partners launch autonomous maritime systems trial in Pacific

The US Navy, in collaboration with military and research partners from Australia and the United Kingdom, has launched the Maritime Big Play Pacific (MBP-P) demonstration in the Southern California operating area. This AUKUS Pillar II initiative, running from October 5–25, 2026, focuses on integrating mature robotics and autonomous systems into coalition maritime operations.

The event showcases over 40 technologies from the three partner nations, including multi-domain autonomous, crewed, and uncrewed systems (UxS). The demonstration aims to advance common command and control solutions and establish secure ‘stratosphere to seabed’ communications to enable coordinated action across the maritime domain.

Operational vignettes will include live-fire exercises centered on strike operations, contested resupply, and undersea warfare. According to Gerry Tighe, US Lead for AUKUS Maritime Big Play, the effort seeks to remove technical barriers and integrate advanced autonomous capabilities seamlessly with conventional maritime fleets to prepare for future conflicts.