A Mk 48 torpedo is loaded onboard the USS California (SSN-781), a Virginia-class submarine, during training exercises in Spain in January 2017. A British autonomous undersea drone (XLUUV) recently fired a Mk 48 torpedo, highlighting the role that advanced drones could play in future maritime conflicts. (US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael C. Barton)

US and Royal Navy Fired Mk48 Heavyweight Torpedo from Underwater Drone

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The advent of a reliable remotely piloted drone submarine armed with advanced torpedoes could be a gamechanger for naval warfare.

The United States Navy and the UK’s Royal Navy confirmed a successful “proof-of-concept” launch of a US-made Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo from an unmanned undersea drone earlier this month—a development that could revolutionize naval warfare.

The two navies carried out the exercise at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Centre (BUTEC), Scotland, on September 13. It was a critical milestone in the AUKUS Pillar 2 initiative, conducted under the “Project Broadsword” and “Trial Iron” exercises, which focused on advanced defense capabilities for the two sea services.

The US Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office........

© The National Interest