AUKUS Trial Advances AI and Autonomy Collaboration for Military Applications

The United Kingdom's armed forces and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have joined forces with Australia and the United States in an AUKUS trial aimed at advancing the adoption and comprehension of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems.

Named the "AUKUS Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in Contested Environments" (TORVICE) trial, its primary objective was to identify and address vulnerabilities in robotic vehicles and sensors that impact autonomous systems. The ability to understand and mitigate such threats is crucial for the effective and reliable utilization of these systems in future military operations.

This initiative builds upon the first AUKUS AI and autonomy trial held in the UK in April 2023. AUKUS defense ministers announced their intent to integrate "Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies" (RAAIT) into national programs in 2024. The TORVICE trial represents a significant step toward the incorporation of these technologies within the land domain.

During the trial, autonomous vehicles from the US and UK conducted various missions, including route reconnaissance while facing a range of effects generated by Australia. The outcomes will enhance the resilience of AUKUS AI and autonomy systems when subjected to electronic warfare, laser, and position, navigation, and timing attacks, ensuring reliable capability delivery in modern battlefield testing environments.

Guy Powell, Dstl's technical authority for the trial, emphasized the need to assess the robustness of robotic and autonomous systems when under attack, emphasizing their transformative potential for all three AUKUS nations' armies.

Lt Col Russ Atherton, a Dstl military advisor, highlighted the game-changing impact of this science and technology on military operations, citing the ability to deploy various payloads across a larger battlespace, providing commanders with more options.

The acceleration of these technologies' development is expected to significantly enhance coalition military capabilities while minimizing risks to warfighters. Collaboration among the AUKUS nations promotes improved interoperability, streamlined efforts, and the sharing of science and technology expertise.

AUKUS, a defense and security partnership involving Australia, the UK, and the US, aims to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and globally. Pillar 2 of the AUKUS initiative focuses on enhancing military capabilities, including AI and autonomy technologies, to effectively counter evolving threats while adhering to international law and ensuring responsible AI use.