Australia, UK, US Demonstrat AI in Autonomous Military Systems

Defense News ,Australia :- In a collaborative effort, the Australian military has joined forces with the UK and the US to exhibit the capabilities of autonomous assets integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) in South Australia.

The demonstration, named Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles (TORVICE), entailed unmanned robotic vehicles executing missions through AI software while maintaining seamless network connectivity in intricate land-based scenarios.

TORVICE involved scientists tackling electro-optical laser challenges, electronic warfare simulations, and navigation and timing intricacies to affirm the resilience of unmanned ground vehicles.

Additionally, robotic systems assumed the roles of autonomous multi-domain launchers and larger unmanned vehicles, simulating long-range precision fires and associated missions without the use of live weaponry.

Guy Powell, Principal Adviser at the UK Defence Science and Technology (DST) Laboratory, emphasized the importance of "networked autonomy" for modern warfare as showcased by the TORVICE systems.

A Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested Environment (TORVICE) trial took place in South Australia in late 2023, with personnel from Australia, the US, and the UK testing autonomous ground vehicles in a contested electronic warfare environment. This trial is aligned with Australia's commitment to AUKUS Pillar II Advanced Capabilities.

According to Powell, "Robotic and autonomous systems have the potential to transform the battlefield, providing a force multiplier while reducing risk to warfighters." He added, "TORVICE allows us to understand robotic autonomous systems’ operation in a contested environment and increase the resilience of these systems. Working across three nations will accelerate the development of robust, capable systems."

Shane Canney, UK DST Land and Integrated Force Chief, highlighted the significance of the TORVICE project for the trilateral AUKUS strategic cooperation in future terrestrial, naval, airborne, and digital operations. He stated, "Understanding how robotic vehicles react in contested environments accelerates our collective know-how and helps improve the system to overcome such attacks. Transitioning trusted robotic capabilities into the hands of our warfighters safely and ethically is a priority."

The Australian government has been actively investing in autonomy projects, signing contracts with 11 local companies to develop drones and corresponding production plans. In October 2023, the army conducted trials of robotic armored personnel carriers with integrated remote weapon systems for autonomous travel and neutralization capabilities. Australian academics also launched an algorithm in the same month to protect unmanned military robots from cyberattacks. Four months earlier, the army completed its first deployment of an autonomous truck convoy on public roads across Victoria.