AUKUS Pillar Two
AUKUS strand covering shared advanced military technology rather than nuclear submarines.
Last refreshed: 8 November 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for AUKUS Pillar Two
Mentioned in: UK to lead three AUKUS undersea payloads
Autonomous Systems: Land & SeaFramed as the route for Ghost Shark payload exports
Autonomous Systems: Land & Sea: Australia puts sea mines in Ghost SharkBackground
Australia's defence industry minister Pat Conroy said in October 2026 that payloads are Australia's export focus under AUKUS Pillar Two. Britain said on 27 October it will lead three AUKUS payloads for uncrewed underwater vehicles, available from 2027.
Pillar Two is the strand of the AUKUS partnership that covers shared advanced military technology, as distinct from Pillar One's nuclear-powered submarines. Its first Signature Project, signed on 30 May 2026, develops payloads and enabling systems for the three countries' uncrewed undersea vehicles, with delivery starting in 2027.
The partners test kit under this strand at Maritime Big Play off San Diego, where Britain led the anti-submarine warfare strand in October 2026.
What is AUKUS Pillar Two?
What is Australia exporting under AUKUS Pillar Two?
What is Britain contributing to AUKUS Pillar Two?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 8 November 2026. Editorial standards.