The UK armed forces and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) recently joined forces with the military of Australia and the US under the AUKUS partnership for a groundbreaking trial centered on AI and autonomous systems.

Known as Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in Contested Environments (TORVICE), the trial took place in Australia and aimed to assess the resilience of robotic vehicles and sensors in scenarios involving electronic attacks and GPS disruption, critical for future military operations.

The trial, part of the AUKUS alliance established last year, involved US and British autonomous vehicles conducting reconnaissance missions while Australian units simulated battlefield electronic attacks. Analysis of the trial's data will inform strategies to enhance protections against system failures or disruptions.

Guy Powell, Dstl’s technical authority for the trial, emphasized the importance of understanding the capabilities of autonomous systems in contested environments, highlighting their transformative potential across all three nations' armies.

Building upon the first AUKUS autonomous systems trial held in the UK in April 2023, this collaboration represents a significant step forward following the decision to integrate Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies (RAAIT) into the three countries' military forces starting in 2024.

Dstl military advisor Lt Col Russ Atherton underscored the potential of AI and autonomy to revolutionize military operations, enhancing soldier safety by enabling tasks like sensor operation and logistics over larger areas.

Through collaborative efforts, the AUKUS allies aim to accelerate the development of military technologies, improve interoperability, and strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing military capabilities while minimizing risks for warfighters.