New York [US], September 27: At a meeting on September 26 in London (UK), US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, UK Defense Secretary John Healey and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles within the framework of the 3-party cooperation AUKUS made three high-level announcements, according to the Breaking Defense page .
First, the Sting Ray torpedo, manufactured in the UK, will be approved for use on the combined fleet of P-8 anti-submarine aircraft . All three countries operate the aircraft, with the US having 120, Australia 12 and the UK nine.
Second, the UK has agreed to provide Australia with additional training in the maintenance and management of nuclear-powered submarines. One of the two pillars of AUKUS is to support Australia in its early acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
Finally, London and Canberra agreed to sign a new bilateral treaty, aimed at strengthening military relations between the two countries, even outside the AUKUS framework.
The Sting Ray torpedo has been in service with the Royal Navy since 1983, carrying a 45 kg warhead and a range of up to 11 km. In November 2023, the Royal Air Force (RAF) announced that it would equip the Sting Ray on the P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft .
According to the RAF, the Sting Ray Mod 1 version is designed to defeat the dual threat of deep-diving catamarans and conventional submarines. This weapon is classified as a lightweight torpedo, has a low cost and low maintenance cost.
The three AUKUS defence ministers also mentioned the goal of promoting technological development. "The UK government and I will work to maximize the benefits of AUKUS (for the three countries) by promoting technology, developing new military capabilities, ensuring economic benefits and creating many good jobs ," said Mr. John Healey.
According to the Pentagon, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that the three countries have committed to reducing export control restrictions to facilitate safe trade between AUKUS partners.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation