Royal Navy seeks suppliers for Type 93 uncrewed submarine and AUKUS payloads

The UK Ministry of Defence has issued a preliminary market engagement notice to identify potential suppliers for the Type 93 uncrewed submarine. This official communication invites organizations to register their interest in developing the platform and related autonomous systems, marking the initial phase of a broader procurement process for the Royal Navy’s future fleet.

The notice specifically targets builders of Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs) and developers of payload technologies. It also seeks providers of software for autonomous operations, artificial intelligence systems, and mission management tools. The Ministry aims to create a comprehensive supplier list that includes integrators and firms capable of providing through-life support for these complex underwater assets.

Platform Specifications and Candidates

The Royal Navy indicated it is initially considering submarines with dimensions of approximately 12 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter. However, the notice encourages organizations with existing systems of different sizes to register their interest. These specific measurements align closely with two known prototypes: the XV Excalibur and the BAE Systems Herne. The XV Excalibur is a large submarine drone already undergoing seagoing trials by the Royal Navy. The Herne, developed by BAE Systems, has a new version prepared for trials around Canada next year.

Strategic Context and AUKUS Integration

This procurement effort supports the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Navy vision, which integrates uncrewed combat submarines into operational forces. These vessels are intended to operate independently or alongside crewed ships to defend UK home waters and protect critical infrastructure such as undersea cables. The initiative is linked to the AUKUS Signature Payload Program, which focuses on developing weapons and systems for uncrewed submarines in the UK, Australia, and the US. AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership partly focused on advancing submarine technology among these three nations.

What should you do?

Defense contractors and technology firms specializing in autonomous systems, AI, or underwater vehicles should monitor official MoD procurement channels for formal tender releases. Companies involved in the AUKUS ecosystem should prepare compliance documentation for trilateral security requirements. Industry analysts should track the progression from this preliminary notice to formal requests for proposals to assess market opportunities.

What to do and how to stay safe: Royal Navy

• Register interest through official Ministry of Defence procurement portals if your organization develops XLUUV platforms or autonomous software.
• Review AUKUS security and export control guidelines to ensure compliance with trilateral partnership requirements for defense technology suppliers.
• Monitor subsequent MoD announcements for detailed technical specifications and formal tender deadlines related to the Type 93 program.
• Assess internal capabilities for providing through-life support and integration services for uncrewed underwater systems.

Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What are the dimensions of the Type 93 submarine?

The Royal Navy is initially considering submarines approximately 12 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter, though other dimensions are accepted.

Which existing prototypes fit the Type 93 specifications?

The XV Excalibur and the BAE Systems Herne are existing uncrewed submarine prototypes that roughly fit the stated dimensions.

What is the purpose of the AUKUS Signature Payload Program?

The program aims to develop weapons and other systems for the UK’s uncrewed submarine and those of partner nations Australia and the US.