The unmanned subs and export rules shaping Australia’s maritime future
Autonomous submarines are set to change how Australia patrols the oceans. But US export controls have to be loosened before the most advanced versions ply the waters.
In the shark-infested waters off Cape Cod in Massachusetts, north of Martha’s Vineyard where Jaws was shot, the future hope of Australia’s submarine fleet is being put through its paces. But there’s not a single naval officer in sight.
The stealth vehicle being tested is one of the Australian Navy’s new autonomous submarines. Known as remote environmental monitoring units (REMUS), they are built by America’s Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the same company putting together what will be Australia’s first nuclear-powered manned submarines under the AUKUS pact.
Matthew CranstonUnited States correspondentMatthew Cranston is the United States correspondent, based in Washington. He was previously the Economics correspondent and Property editor. Connect with Matthew on Twitter. Email Matthew at mcranston@afr.com
