QinetiQ Supports AUKUS World-First at BUTEC Site

September 30, 2026

QinetiQ has supported the US Navy and Royal Navy (RN)on world-first autonomous submarine torpedo firing trials as part of AUKUS Pillar 2 activity.

The trials, known as BROADSWORD (US) / Trial Iron (UK) took place in the north-west of Scotland at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC), operated by QinetiQ on behalf of the MOD through the Long Term Partnering Agreement.

The trials involved the RN's XV Excalibur, an Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vessel (XLUUV), firing the US Navy's Inert Mk48 Heavy Torpedo. QinetiQ Hammerhead uncrewed surface vessels acted as the target, demonstrating interoperability of payloads between allied platforms.

It was the first time on the range for the US torpedo, the XLUUV and Hammerhead and followed several months of planning between QinetiQ’s and MODs specialist maritime and trials experts, alongside the US Navy and Royal Navy and their contractors, to ensure all aspects of safety at the range were managed.

Will Blamey, Chief Executive, UK Defence, QinetiQ said: "This trial is a great demonstration of how we can rapidly support internationally significant strategic partnerships such as AUKUS, with our specialist test and evaluation capabilities and realistic targets playing a central role.

"The strong relationships we hold with the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Navy and US Navy were key to making this trial a success, cementing how Government and industry can make a difference together to enhance defence ambitions."

Source : QinetiQ US