Royal Navy XLUUV Fires Torpedo in AUKUS Milestone

Today’s defense news features significant advancements in autonomous warfare and strategic military developments. From uncrewed vessel capabilities to next-generation fighter contracts, here’s a look at the latest updates.

Royal Navy Achieves First Uncrewed Torpedo Launch

The Royal Navy successfully launched a torpedo from an uncrewed submarine for the first time, marking a significant step in undersea warfare capabilities, Naval News reports. The XV Excalibur, an Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vessel, was adapted to fire and control a US Navy Mark 48 Mod 4 heavyweight torpedo during Project Broadsword/Trial Iron. This milestone trial, completed in six months as part of the AUKUS agreement, took place at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre in Scotland. This achievement is the first in a series of trials aimed at deploying torpedo-launching uncrewed vessels globally, enhancing combat power while reducing risk to personnel.

HII Secures Contract for Ten ROMULUS Unmanned Surface Vessels

HII has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy to construct ten ROMULUS unmanned surface vessels for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program, Naval News reports. This contract signifies a major step in the Navy’s transition to fleet-scale deployment of operational autonomy across the maritime domain. HII’s Odyssey Autonomous Control Solutions, a combat-tested autonomy suite, is central to the ROMULUS design, enabling coordinated operations across surface and undersea domains. HII stated it committed in 2025 to securing partners, production capacity, and infrastructure to accelerate delivery and reduce production risk.

Ukraine Launches ‘Manhattan Project’ for Battlefield Robots

Ukraine’s former Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has launched a ‘new Manhattan Project’ to develop advanced battlefield robots, C4ISRNET reports. Fedorov unveiled his vision at IT Arena, aiming for an ‘Army of Robots’ to take over dangerous frontline jobs from soldiers. He envisions the first confirmed battlefield result from a humanoid-like robot within six months and an assault with robots undertaking the most dangerous mission parts within a year. The project will invest in companies with already-tested weapons, combining engineers, startups, and capital to accelerate the development of ground robots, AI, sensors, and autonomous systems.

Boeing Reportedly Awarded U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX Fighter Contract

Boeing has reportedly been selected by the U.S. Navy to build its next-generation fighter, the F/A-XX, following an eighteen-month pause in program updates, Naval News reports. The initial contract is valued at $20 billion, likely covering several initial airframes, manufacturing, and remaining development. Boeing’s St. Louis facility, with a 1.1 million square feet expansion nearing completion, will be central to production. This award is notable as Boeing also secured the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance program, now known as the F-47, in March 2025.

Russia Launches Largest Attack on Ukraine Energy Infrastructure Since Spring

Russia has launched its largest attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the spring, primarily targeting Kyiv and its surrounding region, BBC World reports. At least six people were killed and 33 injured across the country in the overnight strikes, including a child in the Kyiv region. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi stated that 11 regions were attacked, impacting residential buildings, social infrastructure, civilian enterprises, and railways. The Russian defense ministry claimed to have hit the Trypilska power station, the largest supplier of electricity to Kyiv.

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